University Project: Evaluation and Reflection on Solar Car Project

This document is a reflective report by a student on their experience with a solar-powered electric car project. The report utilizes the Gibbs reflection cycle to analyze the student's journey, from initial confusion and apprehension to understanding the project's requirements and the importance of teamwork. The student details their assigned tasks in research design, marketing, and future research areas, highlighting challenges faced, such as time constraints and lack of prior experience. The evaluation section reveals the student's learning process, including the value of collaboration and the need for more comprehensive research. Analysis includes the application of marketing strategies and the student's critique of their approach. The conclusion suggests areas for improvement, such as in-depth analysis of SWOT and cost analysis. The report concludes with an action plan outlining strategies for future research projects, emphasizing open-mindedness, consulting approaches, and the importance of teamwork and time management. This report provides valuable insights into the challenges and learning experiences of a student undertaking a complex engineering project.

Running Head: Evaluation and reflection 1
Evaluation and reflection
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

Evaluation and reflection 2
Evaluation and reflection
This is a reflective and evaluation essay with the aid of the Gibbs reflection cycle in reflecting on
my experience as a researcher in my first project of a solar-powered electric car.
Description
I started my course on 7th may 2018. It was such a new course to me as it required an ample
concentration with many involvements. Just like other courses, I had to complete a project. My
first project was to develop a solar-powered electric car. This was not an individual assignment
but a group assignment. We were to complete this project as a team of four members. As a team,
we focused on research background and research design; we then designed a questionnaire,
google survey, collecting data, data analysis and business. However, each member was allocated
specific duties/tasks in the project. While the other three members focused on human resources,
operations, and finance, I was tasked with the tasks on research design, marketing and future
areas of the research. The project was stipulated to be completed in 8 weeks.
Feelings
This been my first project, I was confused about where to start and what was expected of me.
Even before I started working on the project, I was struggling to comprehend on the topic. This
was because I have never done such a project before. I was fearing that I might present the
wrong thing and end up failing in this course. But with the assistance of the group members
some of whom have good experience in such projects, they helped me the topic and what was
required of me. They helped me in brainstorming and developing ideas that were useful in
completing my part. Additionally, I had the feeling that the duration to which we were to

Evaluation and reflection 3
complete the project was sufficient considering the bulkiness of the project data. I feared that I
might not be able to meet the deadline.
Evaluation
The experience as a researcher in such a project was somehow challenging for me. This was
because I had not involved in such projects before. However, with the help of my group
members, I am pleased that they guided me, encouraged me and challenged me in handling the
tasks. It is from the experience where I learnt that teamwork is key in the field of research.
Analysis
Having now understood the topic and after brainstorming and formulating project-related ideas, I
had the courage to start the research work. I had to utilize the college library to gather data on
effective research designs to be applied in the project. Additionally, I revamped on the various
marketing strategies based on the project. I analyzed pricing and promotion 0f a leading
automobile company called Elexo. I considered the utilization of the 4 Ps of marketing by Elexo
company which included product, price, place, and promotion.
Conclusion
Looking back on this experience, I see that I could have done more research especially on
SWOT and cost analysis of Elexo company to establish the possible gaps that may exist. I was
after the discussion with my tutor and group members that I realized that I had not done
conclusive research and the marketing strategy which I adopted for the project was not the best.
The marketing strategy had many gaps which if utilized by a competitor, our project would not
thrive for long.

Evaluation and reflection 4
Action plan
In future, I will aim to develop an open-minded research approach to exhaust on all possible
alternatives to select the best. I would also consider adopting a consulting approach to do the best
research. To ensure that the project Is workable and sustainable, I will endeavor to acquire the
best research skills while incorporating teamwork and working within the project schedule. I am
determined to make this as my learning goal and will consider discussing the same with my
mentor and work out on the best strategies on how to achieve this.