Below is a list of 5 news article's that identify an opportunity to solve a problem. These are smaller, day-to-day "unmet needs" that can potentially serve as a business opportunity. I used the local newspaper the Tampa Bay Times.
1. Florida Legislature exploring change to school districts by city
- Article link: http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/florida-legislature-exploring-change-to-school-districts-by-city/2262477
- Article summary: Rep. Matt Caldwell and Sen. Jeff Brandes are proposing a constitutional amendment that would allow citywide school districts, instead of the countywide oversight the Florida Constitution requires.The formation or destruction of districts and cities should extend to school boards as well because this would increase local control over neighborhood schools.
- Story problem: In larger school districts, which Florida is primarily known for, parents do not feel that they are able to have that much of an impact for they kids and their education. The districts are too large.
- Who has the problem: Students within these large districts as well as their parents and the school boards that make the executive decisions in a general sense.
2. Cheap oil, good for consumers, is slamming stocks. Why?
- Article link: http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/personalfinance/cheap-oil-good-for-consumers-is-slamming-stocks-why/2262516
- Article summary: Stocks are having their worst start to a year in history because of a rapid plunge in the price of oil. Price decreased by 28% which has decreased the energy company shares by 13% as well. Oil is so low because there is so much of it.
- Story problem: Gas prices are too low, which clearly is not a problem for consumers, but serves as an issue for the stock market. Since oil companies profits are decreasing, the company shares are decreasing, thus worsening the entire market.
- Who has the problem: Stockholders and energy companies and gas stations are experiencing the problem. Oil companies are experiencing the problem the worst.
3. Police charge 17-year old in Canada after 4 shot dead
- Article link: http://www.tampabay.com/news/world/police-charge-17-year-old-in-canada-after-4-shot-dead/2262562
- Article summary: Police charged a 17-year-old boy with four counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder in a mass shooting at a school and home in a remote community in Canada.
- Story Problem: Gun rights, not enough metal detectors or police at school entrances, and the kid that decides to murder people.
- Who has the problem: students and faculty at this school are experiencing the problem first hand
4. Lightning thumped by Panthers
- Article link: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightning-thumped-by-panthers/2262577
- Article summary: Lighning's 7 game win streak ends after loss to the Panthers on Saturday. Final score was 5-2. The loss was unexpected.
- Story problem: Hockey team not playing as well as they should, many fans were upset at this loss. Coaching can improve.
- Who has the problem: NHL team the Lightning as well as their fans and coaches.
5. Resident of a Gainesville group home charged with battery
- Articlelink: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FL_ELDERLY_MAN_ASSAULTED_FLOL-?SITE=FLPET&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
- Article summary: A woman of Gainesville has been charges with aggravated battery after authorities say she attacked another resident and bit off parts of two of his fingers. The woman punched the 89 year old man several times. She is charged with aggravated battery on a person 65 years plus.
- Story problem: "Florida man" strikes again.
- Who has the problem: The man who experienced this battery is the one with the medical issues, although the woman who committed the crime is the one with the legal problem.
Hello Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your summaries of the articles you have chosen. I agree with you on the cheap oil being a problem with the stock market. I am encouraged though that this market hiccup is going to level out the market as a whole and bring the index down to where is is more stable. I also have faith that the energy sector will rebound, but hopefully not to soon. It needs to be a gradual climb over a few years.
Good luck with your semester,
-Dallin
I would like to invite you to take a look at my post as well.
ReplyDeletehttp://dallinj.blogspot.com/2016/01/identifying-local-opportunities.html
Thanks,
-Dallin
Hello Jessica,
ReplyDeleteWell, I can relate to the stock prices crashing because of the oil prices dipping so low. My portfolio seems to be heading in the wrong direction lately. I actually work in the natural gas industry where the low cost of gas is really helping my business and the end users (customers). On the issue of people out of control with trigger fingers and guns I think of one solution that might help to solve the issue. If every teacher and principals were trained on how to use a gun and carried then these idiots would be outnumbered and maybe think twice before they do something so tragic. Thanks for your insight on these topics. If you would like to see my lists check out my link below.
http://9to5isoverrated.blogspot.com/2016/01/worlds-biggest-problems.html
James Farris
Hi Jessica!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting articles to read about. You and I wrote on completely different things, so I enjoyed reading your stories. The last one though was so crazy! First of all, why does it seem like all the craziest events in the news happen in Florida? Second, since moving to Gainesville I have encountered so many strange people, that sometimes I am scared to walk around at night! Be careful out there!
Keep up the good work. Here’s a link to my post: http://maursfirstblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/identifying-local-opportunities.html