G4 Project

By Gaurang Lamba

As the team for business and economics we set out with the aim to look at all the resources and do the pricing. As I was the leader of the group along with my mentor who was miss Poonam, we split the students into groups and each student had to look at the economic as well as business aspect of the of these various science-oriented groups. As soon as this was done, we faced a certain set of issues. These were that groups were looking at resources that were not economically efficient and therefore lead to a total price which we felt was above the budget we had discussed.  

Thus, we took a new approach, to understand the requirement of these resources and find alternative’s which would to the same function leading to a lower opportunity cost. For example, I was with the physics group and there had decided for Polycarbonate for the Panels, however, that was 600 Rs per square meter which was extremely economically inefficient. Therefore, l after taking the specification I found Corrugated PVC. A similar, plastic which had a higher transparency rate compared to the previous, thus, proposing that instead. This saved the project 300 Rs per Square foot. I had encountered many issues like this and with constant discussions with then Physics leader as well the Design Technology leader we negotiated and found that best resources which would help make the greenhouse efficient as well as economically suitable.  

Along with negotiating the pricing, my aim was to create a communication flow with each team as there were many issues arising within each group. As in the group 4 project each team was dependent on the other. Subsequently, I set up meeting with each group and the individual allocated from the economic group to analyze the situation. After meeting each group, I understood that there were issues based on how each team was dependent on the other leading to a slower progress. As communication is an important role in making sure the time we use is spent productively, I arranged a meeting with all the group leader making sure that all the group were on the focused on the criteria and it helped. I saw problems getting solved such as the issue of the ESS group on the structure of the greenhouse to the Physics group on where to add the ventilation systems.  

Now, the lack of communication no more an issue and each group had their targets set, however this led to new resources that were added. So, after this there was a lot of research to be done. As a student of Physics, I understood the issue the team was facing with insulation as well as the issue of the materials to use. Sitting with the physics team I understood all this and the first thing I did was talk to the teacher in charge proposing a range of ideas such as to help combat these issues and after a productive session I had a clear idea of what should be done which is look at plastics which will trap the heat and allow maximum sunlight. 

After I had completed the list and engaged in a debate with the Physics team over the materials and finalized the use of Corrugated Polycarbonate and plastic PVC Panels, I help a meeting with the whole Physics team where we discussed what we had done and how it was beneficial. During this meeting we started to create our business plan which was a collation of all our research and work done.  

After showing it to Miss Poonam, and getting it approved in the first go, we started to create the board. As a student completely unknown to Art I advised Unnati the only student who had taken art to lead the board making process. Under her supervision as well as some inputs from the team we finalized the board. Thus, leading the whole G4 process to the end. 

Towards the end I reflected that as the leader of the group, my job was to aid in communication as well as help the group in all overcome issues. If the group is having issue’s I spoke with the team leader and made sure everything was in place. Therefore, conducting leader meetings where I talked to each leader and made sure everything was going smoothly and efficiently. Lastly, I felt that being a leader of a group is not easy, but if the group is willing to work it does help create a flow. And with this team for my G4 project I feel everyone worked responsibly and carefully. Be it Parth and Faisal going and talking to the gardener's and taking charge of the economic aspect of biology, be it Aryan and Himanshi helping out ESS students find plants that are much more economic and less variable. Be it Unnati, who worked extra time on making our board as well as took charge of the Computer Science team, be it Chitrali who was looking at different aspects and aiding the group move forward. Design technology, where Diksha and Ashwin worked on helping find cheaper prices as well as do costing and provide extra support to them therefore helping complete work on time, and lastly I who was assigned to physics working on finding cheaper prices for goods and using my Physics knowledge to help make more economic decisions and make the team more functioning. As a leader I believe every team has its ups and Downs, but I believe that my team worked to their best and reached their potential as wanted by the IBDP program.