So now we've started to gain traction with getting the project back on track; I feel that the general despondence within the team is beginning to manifest into something more positive; despite our performance up to this point in the unit leaves something to be desired we are determined that these next few weeks can get us back on track.

Following our discussions on our group chat the general consensus was we need to engage with the client and move forward with an altered brief which takes into account the reaction of the MMU team when the application was proposed.

I definitely have more confidence in my ability to do this now that the whole issue with the supposed liquidation of our client has been rubbished and resolved. Having a line of communication once again with the director is probably the most beneficial thing that we can do at this point and we have arranged a face to face meet this week so we can move forward constructively.

My conversation with Mark last week also helped bring up my spirits in regards to our progression in the unit - I remember him saying "It's not necessarily about where you are now it's more about how you bring it up to speed and progress in the second semester"

Literally the best thing I think we can do going forward is continue with the momentum that we have built up in the last week so we can stay on top of everything - the main reason that we lagged last term in my opinion is that with the ambiguity of the company's position we lost the initiative and became swamped with the pace of the project. Not this time!

Gantt Chart Progress

This is the team's progress illustrated in a Gantt Chart upto this point in the unit. Once we have had a response to the email from the university (see previous post); we will begin to conduct our primary research which will be then added to this chart. 

Discussed with unit leader Bex Lewis; proposed plan of action - agreed to email Dawn Mellody suggesting to creatively market changes to the app based on what may be successful - agreed to CC unit leaders into the email.

Despite the uncertainty around the continuation of the brief; it is worth considering what data collection methods we can use regardless; should we continue the preparation for this research will already be complete.

PRIMARY RESEARCH 

In regards to primary research; quantitative questionnaires and observations of current usage of the StudyBundles app to establish what penetration it currently has in it's target market would be beneficial to our brief;

*This will establish trends in the existing consumer base which can inform our decision on creative marketing to engage Manchester based students of a similar demographic
*Allows us to possess presentable evidence to inform our choices when enacting the brief
*This would be most effective for primary research

SECONDARY RESEARCH 

Secondary research methods such as individual interviews and case studies conducted with the established users of the Studybundles app and indeed the prospective customers through qualitative methods;

*Allows us to gauge the response to the app from current users; what similarities/differences doe these views have to those of prospective customers
*Best used as a secondary research method

MMU ethics checklist has been signed off; meaning we can begin primary research as soon as we have an update from the unit leader on the status of the brief itself. 

Although the response was delayed; this revelation about the university's intentions is a serious setback to the brief with the client; which has in turn delayed the data collection phase of the unit. We have emailed Daniel Hinckley to no response. We are currently awaiting an update from unit leader Bex Lewis on the best course of action from this point.

Attendance has unfortunately dropped off over the past fortnight; I feel personally that the workload for other subjects has taken precedence. This issue; and how to improve upon it will be address within the formative PDR assessment. Forward planning, delegation of group tasks and improving self motivation could all be viable solutions.

After emailing the relevant staff of the University that the client had spoke to previously regarding the CampusConnect app and not receiving a response we have emailed the client to request another meeting. The aim of the next meeting will be to discuss competitor research we have conducted and to contact the university staff via the client to attempt to secure a meeting.

Also competed ethics checklist and other ethical documents to ensure our market research falls within MMU's ethical code.