Assignment2

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

TEAM MEMBERS

ARUNDHATI PANDE- 210009

KRINA SHAH- 210073
PADMINI PATNI- 210049
TANISHA PITALIA- 210069
VARUN SHASTRI- 210099
YASH MOHTA- 210093
YESHA JAIN- 210051
 A. Define the problem
a. What is the problem?

Mosquitos are a worldwide problem and mosquito control is a vital public health
practice because some of them spread or vector a lot of diseases like malaria, dengue,
yellow fever, chikungunya, West Nile virus, and the zika virus, and these combined
cause more deaths each year than war and homicide combined. It’s safe to say that
they might be the deadliest animals in the world to the human race, they cause 1
million deaths each year. People since olden times have been facing the problem of
mosquitoes, they used to avoid contact with mosquitoes by being close to campfires
and being close to aromatic plants that used to be known to repel mosquitoes. Now in
the 21st century, we have many many solutions to this problem being offered to us,
like mentioned above, pesticides, mosquito repellents, mosquito nets, home remedies,
and electric rackets. These work to a certain extent but not 100%, and each of them
has its own pros and cons. Using mosquito rackets requires your effort to move and
efficiently capture mosquitoes with the racket, which might not be possible for
everyone, especially when you are running short on time or just wanting to get a good
night’s sleep without having to wrestle mosquitoes at that time. Mosquito repellents
are a highly researched product, and research has found out that they are not just
harmful to the planet but even for human health, and their use has been discouraged.
Repellents are also just meant to repeal the insects, not kill them, which means once
their effect worns out mosquitoes are free to prey on your blood again. Smoke-based
repellents usually cause breathing and other problems, cream-based repellents
sometimes lead to rashes or allergies, fabric roll-ons have the increasing complaint of
leaving stains on clothes. Home remedies are not as effective and require a lot of
effort to do and maintain. Additionally, mosquito generations have become resistant
to mosquito repellents and pesticides because their life cycle is short and the next
generation mosquitoes are born to be more resistant to things that kill them so people
need a quick, effort-free, and permanent solution to this problem of mosquitos. 
The problem of mosquitoes usually predominantly takes place at our homes because that is
where we spent the most time, and in the evening that’s where we’re most likely to be
(evening is the time you would see the highest number of mosquitoes entering your space),
although this problem is also seen in offices, schools, and colleges. It is common knowledge
that mosquitoes dwell well in places that have still water because they lay their eggs there, so
artificial lakes, sewers, and places near that become common zones for mosquitoes.
Anywhere where there is a lot of greenery or garbage does also become a mosquito hub, like
gardens or parks, or garbage dumping areas but our contact with these places is limited and
the highest contact with mosquitoes is at our homes (especially now due to covid, where
everyone was confined to their home) and work/study spaces and institutions. These are the
places where the problem occurs. Mosquitoes are usually there throughout the day and in all
seasons, but highest during the evening because sunlight keeps away mosquitoes to a certain
extent. So this problem arises every day and almost everywhere. 
Whom does it affect? 
It is safe to say that it affects everyone but especially people suffering from major mosquito
infestation, people having breathing or allergy issues from using mosquito repellents, people
who are unable to use rackets (for example, people with disabilities), people who were
affected by dengue and malaria in the past and want to take precautions for the future,
families in general who want to protect the health of all members. 
What is the impact and how severe is it? 
The impact like mentioned above is getting diseases like dengue and malaria, other impacts
are rashes, allergies, breathing problems, and general irritation with the mosquito bites. The
impact ranges from mild to severe, depending on the situation. In the worst-case scenario, it
might also lead to death. 
Who would be willing to pay for solving this problem and why?
People who don’t want pests like these at home for various reasons (like breathing issues),
people who have used all other repellents and electric rackets and nothing seems to keep
mosquitos at bay, people who just want a quick low effort solution to this problem, schools,
colleges, and offices that don’t want kids and adults to get distracted while studying or
working by mosquito bites, people who have suffered from dengue, malaria and similar
diseases caused due to mosquito bites, people who want to take precautions to infestations,
people who have elderly or small children at home and don’t want them to suffer any health
problems caused by mosquitoes, and people who are simply irritated and annoyed by
mosquitoes at their house and want a fast and low effort solution to this problem. These
people are likely to pay for a solution to this problem.

b. Describe your thought process behind the choice of the problem.

Reasons to reject other problems (challenges, shortcomings, preference, etc.)

Reasons to reject other problems.

1. Size related problem faced while ordering clothes online.

Basis of rejection
  The problem is a one time problem for the customers. Once they order the
correct size, they will remember the size next time and hence the problem is
solved.
 Big brands like Amazon, Myntra have solved this problem by giving away
free returns and exchanges.
 Data analytics an data science have solved this problem to some extend as
they recommend you size based on your previous purchase.

2. Digital Addiction and need for detox 

Basis of rejection 
 As of this date, people do not consider the dire need of wanting to
detox from the internet world as it has become a part and parcel of
their lives.  So the problem according to our group is a bit ahead of its
time. In the near future this problem might escalate even more and
hence would become more workable. 
 The possible solutions of the problem require understanding which is
based on a massive audience and hence time-constraint was another
reason to not pursue this problem as of now. 
 People right now are not looking for professional solutions to digital
detox and hence this problem was not considered to be solved right
now. 

3. Unemployment of disabled people. 

                      Basis of rejection
 There are a lot of organizations that are already working to solve this problem, so by
this we understood that it would be better to work on something else. 
 Secondly, the problem we faced with this was that every solution we were coming up
with always ran along similar lines of a solution which already exists in the market. 

Reasons to choose the problem in consideration 

We choose this problem because we as a group could relate to this in our own personal lives
and that of the people we knew. In fact, while discussing our assignment we were faced with
the same corresponding mosquito infestation problem, which made us quite sure to take on
this issue. We feel that it has great commercial potential, keeping in mind the large audience
that is troubled by this issue. Solving this problem might not just have monetary benefit but
help us do societal good as well, it might just save a fraction of those 1 million people dying
due to mosquito bites every day and that might just be a success for us.
 B. Creativity Techniques
1. SIX THINKING HATS 
a. Defining the technique 
It is a strategy for assessing the optimization of a product or idea. The six thinking
hats are used in product development to separate the project team into different
groups (the white hat group, the red hat group, etc.). Each group discusses the product
from the standpoint of their hat, such as the logical components, emotional
components, and so on. The "hats" facilitate organized and efficient group thinking.
The six hats are as follows:
 The white hat is an objective hat that concentrates on facts and reasoning.
 The red hat is the intuitive hat, which is concerned with emotion and instinct.
 The black hat is a wary headwear that is used to foresee unpleasant
consequences.
 The yellow hat is an optimistic headgear that is worn when looking for
positive outcomes.
 The green hat is the creative hat, where there are many ideas and little
criticism.
 The blue hat is a control cap that is worn by managers and organizers. 
(Source: https://airfocus.com/glossary/what-are-the-six-thinking-hats/) 
b. Reason/Justification to use this technique 
This technique would help us think from different perspectives and help us in finding
out the best possible solution for our category as it is a new product. As this is a
technique that requires us to listen to multiple voices and opinions, we get a clearer
picture of the product that we will build, and with criticisms and approvals, we know
what to add to our product and what to not. By collaborating all the hats ideas we can
come up with a super solution to our problem which is more practical and rational as
we’ve looked through all gaps and creases. This also helps people in the organization
to express their feelings without any risk factor and switching thinking styles could
help us elaborate our own minds and enhance creative thinking. We decided to choose
this creative technique because the solution for mosquito based problems needed a
comprehensive solution. 
c. Exercise Conducted 
In this exercise, as there are six hats for different thinking, we asked six people to
take-up those positions. We also arranged a moderator in case anything goes south or
the conversation goes haywire or off-topic. 6 students from Flame University studying
in different classes were selected on a random basis. Further, we conducted a meeting
for 2 hours where we briefed them about the problem and asked each one of them to
think about a potential solution strictly based on the category they were assigned. For
example: a student from UG 2 was asked to think from the red-hat. This means, she
had to essentially focus on what is that one factor which a  mosquito repealing/killing
device or medicine should have so that it doesn’t emotionally affect the end-user. 
 In frequent intervals the hats were rotated and on a piece of paper everybody collated
their own thoughts. Towards the end, everybody read-out loud what solution they
came up with and others had to counter/appreciate them. 
         d. Outcomes/insights 
These were some of the common insights from the exercise conducted: 
 The white hat insights were that mosquitoes cannot be killed or repealed away
based on ultrasonic sounds and also the logical reasoning for a one-time
installation and expenditure solution was given. 
 The red hat is the intuitive hat, and hence the proposed arguments were that
mosquitoes should not be killed inside the home and there should be a device
based technology which does not harm humans and is effective. 
 The black hat suggested that a device to kill mosquitoes could harm the
environment chain in the long run and it can also create unpleasant smells in a
room or outside the window.  
 The yellow hat is an optimistic headgear and hence the suggested outcome
was that people will immune themselves to the problems such as dengue and
most importantly the use of hazardous chemicals which is otherwise done in
other mosquito repellent can also be reduced drastically. 
 The green hat is the creative hat so the outcome was to design a product which
is safe for humans but solves the problem. It was also suggested that while
implanting these products in homes/offices the aesthetics of the place should
not be compromised with. For example; using a screen filter for a window will
defy the whole purpose of having a window for ventilation and view. 
 The blue hat is a control cap and it suggested that the product devised should
be pocket friendly as the use is on a large scale. 

2. Classical brainstorming
Classical brainstorming became popular during the 1950s, and the stereotype was of a bunch
of advertisers cooking up ideas for a new slogan to sell margarine. Originally, a "brainstorm"
referred to an acute psychological attack, but in 1920s - 1940s, there were references to
"brainstorms" as brilliant ideas (apparently these were originally called "brain waves").
a. Reason/Justification to use this technique - 
Brainstorming is a classic idea generation technique and remains one of the most rapid and
rewarding methods of generating lots of ideas within groups. The greatest disadvantage of
this technique is however that group dynamics and/or self-censorship may hinder the sharing
of participants’ most imaginative ideas. Rules for brainstorming are therefore applied as
described below in the guidance section. 
We did sit in a group for our brainstorming session and we all came up with different ideas,
some of them were practical and some of them were impractical, but every idea was different
as we all come from different backgrounds and everyone comes with different sets of
imaginations. Hence taking advantage of heterogeneous group we went ahead with classical
brainstorming as our group size was of seven people which is appropriate for classical
brainstorming technique. Every idea that came out of everyone mind was unique. We further
went ahead with the one idea and did more brainstorming related to it and arrived at a
concrete solution eventually.

 
b. Exercise conducted –we as a group sat together with a set period of time of one hour and
decided to brainstorm different ideas that came to our mind. We then looked at different ideas
in depth and analysed its positives and negatives that came out of the idea and discussed the
productivity, practicality and scalability of different ideas. Most of the times, the group didn’t
come up in consensus and agreed to one specific ideas, but we kept on brainstorming for
different ideas until everyone in the group agreed to the logical explaination that was given
by some member of the group. We approximately discussed around 10 ideas and rejected first
9 of them due to the issues of effectiveness, practicality and scalabilty. However, the final
idea was eventually agreed by everyone after the indepth analysis of the idea.
 
c. Outcomes/Insights –
after we were done with the session of brainstorming the following were the outcomes.
o   The product should be a one time purchase(short run) for the customer as they would
not want to think more on the mosquito related problems.
o   The product should not in anyways not harm human beings in any kind.
o   The product would be preferably installed outside of the house as the customer would
not want to gaze at a sight of dead mosquitoes in their own house.
o   Considering that mosquitoes breed at a very fast rate and they tend to evolve very fast
and tend to get used to mosquito repellents. We must create such solution that has no
loop holes and the solution/product will always be effective and will never be
outdated.
 

C. Challenges faced and plan to overcome the challenges in creative techniques used 
Challenges faced were as follows:
o   The product should be smell free
o   The product should have heavy installation charges and should be easy to
install.
o   The product should be harmless to humans
o   The product should not create bad environment for its users.
o   The product should not only be effective now but should not get outdated as
mosquitoes evolve at a very fast rate.
The plan to overcomes those challenges are as follows
 o   The product will use laser to kill mosquitoes to avoid any foul smell that is created
by mosquito rackets.
o   The product size will be compact and it can be installed anywhere where the
customer feels the need.
o   The product will use laser technology along with high quality sensors to avoid any
harm to humans.
o   The product should be installed outside of the house as it will create house a
mosquito free zone and all the dead mosquitoes will be left outside of house.
o   Since the product will shoot out lasers and will burn the mosquitoes when in air, it
will not get outdated in a very long time.

e. Potential Next Action Steps After Applying Creative Techniques 

The following are the potential next steps that are to be implemented.

Step 1 – to research about the existing solutions and to try and apply it in our
idea.

Step 2 - to contact engineers to understand which technology can be

implemented to get the best possible outcome.

Step 3 – to contact product developers to design a compact and feasible

product design

Step 4 – To consult health experts to cross verify the health effects the product
will have on the human beings.

Step 5 – to create and test a prototype.

C. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS 
Q1: Conduct the situational analysis and provide the results?
People - To address any problem, a group of people would be required. First and foremost, I
would require a team of individuals who share my vision and enthusiasm. I'd require research
and development, which would include the participation of scientists, engineers, and
researchers. The researchers will conduct research and survey the public's desires and needs
in order to compile a comprehensive study on them; scientists and engineers will then bring
the product to life using the research team's input. Then, to head this team of engineers and
scientists, we'd need a Chief Technology Officer. We would also require a design team to
ensure that the product is appealing to customers. Our company will require cash for all of
this, as well as funding for the scientists and engineers to experiment and build the full
product, so I'll need to hire employees from the business development department. I'd like to
raise funding from investors (mainly angel investors, as this would be a start-up). Of course,
we'd need a CEO and a COO. The CEO is typically in charge of the company's overall
direction, vision, and culture, while the COO is in charge of the day-to-day operations that
keep your business running. We could hire people from the outside, but the company's
founders are more likely to take this viewpoint.
We'll need a product manager once the product is almost complete; the product manager will
be our go-to person for all things product-related. He'll be in control of the product's vision,
strategy, and development. They frequently work closely with the engineering and marketing
divisions to develop and market the product. A chief marketing officer is also required; this
member of our team will focus on our customers and how they view our goods. They would
communicate with consumers and function as an interim community manager to maintain
good ties between our company and its customers. They would also be the ones to offer us
with customer input so that we can continue to improve our product. We'll also require a sales
manager, who will be in charge of generating new leads and generating income for the
company. A human resource manager who is responsible for the employees' well-being,
salaries, and so forth. Then, to keep track of our money and manage it effectively, we'll need
a chief financial officer. I believe they are the types of folks I'd need to launch my business!  
Resources - Talented people, an office to work in, a sort of experimenter lab for the scientists
to experiment, appropriate raw materials from a supplier, a factory set up to help us build our
products, funding, educational resources, industry know-how, a supply chain to supply our
product, tie-ups with stores that would sell our products, packaging material, and an
entrepreneur are all resources we would require.
Activities/Steps & Duration of activities
I think the duration for all the steps should be around a year and a half. More or less
according to the funds we would raise. 

·   Putting together the team - I can't do it alone, so I'll need a team to help plan and back
me up. Choosing the right team might make or ruin my firm, so I'll have to go through
a rigorous process to find the right people. My company's backbone will be formed by
this group.

·   CEO & CFO - they must be named so that everyone knows who they report to and
who will be responsible for every decision the firm makes; we may choose to keep the
founders as the CEO and CFO. This is because they would have a better
understanding of the organisation, its principles, and its mission than anybody else.

·   Brainstorm - We need to agree on what we need to develop, and once everyone is on

board, we'll move on to the following steps.

·   Purchase an office and a laboratory - we require both. We need an office or a

workplace to operate from, as well as a laboratory or a place to conduct research in
order to create the product. So, if we have sufficient finances, we should consider
leasing or purchasing space.

·   Research and development - Once the laboratory is up and running, we must figure
out exactly what the customer wants from a product, which demands performing
exploratory research to establish the customer's desires and needs. We'd move on to
synthesising the product and specifying all of its qualities after a month or two of
research, which would be done by a team of researchers, scientists, and engineers
working together.
 ·   Raise funds - We'll need to raise funds from investors, friends, and family. Money is
essential for completing any task in the process, and we'll need funds for all of the
testing that our product will entail.

·   Construct a product - We must first create the product and test it in the market to see
how well it works and if any changes are required. We must then obtain the necessary
patents and approvals, and once we are satisfied that the product has performed as
expected, we may proceed to launch it.

·   Purchase a factory and other resources - In order to mass-produce a product, we'll

need a factory. We'd also need to form partnerships with other businesses to assist us
in obtaining raw materials.

·   Scale the business - Once we've finished developing the product, we'll need to figure
out how to raise awareness, market it, sell it, and make it available to the general
public. We'll need professionals like a chief technology officer, a product officer, a
sales office, and a marketing officer to help us achieve our objectives.

Q2: What parts of the analysis could not be completed and why?

·   Hire an efficient marketing team

·   Distribution- The final product is yet to be launched. Distribution of the product will
take place when all the final tests and validation of the product is approved. Once the
product is launched, it will help to define the scalability within the market. While
discussing the solution, we came across certain issues regarding the product
development as they were not safe. We also faced some technical issues and therefore
we came up with alternative solutions.
Q3: What would be the revised plan to complete the situational analysis?
·   Hire an efficient marketing team- The reason to hire an efficient marketing team is
that the product should have a better reach to a large audience at their own
convenience. This marketing team would help the targeted customers to have all the
details and knowledge about the product in the market.
·   Distribution- They must figure out how to give our goods to customers; we must
determine where our product is in high demand and where it is in low demand, and
then design a distribution route to distribute products to clients. We'll need to
construct a secure website to sell our items, as well as establish relationships with
physical and online retailers where we'd like to sell them.
 
Q4: Describe the learnings and insights that you can draw out from the exercise.

Insect repellents are chemicals that are applied to the skin to protect it from insect bites that
can produce local or systemic harm. While some bites produce just minor skin irritation,
others can cause significant sickness and even death because insects operate as disease
carriers or vectors.
The exercise's takeaways and revelations-

 We learned how to split down difficult insect repellent activities into multiple steps and
tasks. We attempted to solicit opinions from other team members and devised a variety of
alternatives. We attempted to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the solution we devised
for mosquito-related problems in Indian homes. We also realised the drawbacks of the
solution we devised and why they weren't in line with it.