CARIBBEAN ADVANCED PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION

ENTREPRENEURSHIP UNIT 1

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

Candidates’ Name and Candidate Number : Kelsian Mcdonald -1004223061

:Joel Robinson -1004223959
:Jinelle Francis - 1004221018
: Janae Edwards -1004221638

Centre Number : 100422

School : Pre-University School Taylor Hall, University of the West Indies, Mona

Tertiary : Jamaica

Teacher : Ms.Thomas

Year: 2023-2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………. 1-3

Aim and Objectives ……………………………………………………………… 4

Data Collection ………………………………………………………………….. 5

Review of the Industry……………………………………………………………6

Presentation of Interview Report ……………………………………………….. 7-9

Impact on Selves …………………………………………………………………10-12

Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………….. 13

Biblography ……………………………………………………………………….14

Appendix ………………………………………………………………………..15-17

INTRODUCTION

This internal assessment focuses on entrepreneur Diane Hanson and her business, Mercy
and Truth Ministries (MTM).The objective is to explore the factors contributing to the
company's establishment and to find out significant events that have occurred since its
inception. The researchers’ selected this entrepreneur and business for their research to
gain a comprehensive understanding of both the company and the industry as a whole.
Aspiring to become an entrepreneur themselves in the future, they aim to assume a
similar position to Mrs. Hanson within her business.
 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Aim

To gain insights into their mindset, strategies, and experiences, fostering a better
understanding of the key elements that lead to their entrepreneurial success.

Objectives

• To analyse how an entrepreneur uses Artificial Intelligence to make data-driven

decisions that strategically position the business for growth and success.

• Exploring the role of effective communication and leadership skills in the building
and leading a successful business.

• To assess how entrepreneurs use Artificial Intelligence to identify effective

 strategies for mitigating risks, adapting to challenges, and navigating setbacks
encountered along the entrepreneurial journey.

DATA COLLECTION METHOD

The data collection method employed in this study encompassed an interview and
textbook analysis.The interview was conducted on the 7th of December 2023 at 4pm,
situated at the Trade Centre Shop #9 30-32, 10 Red Hills Rd, Kingston , the business
location. The interviewee, Diane Hanson was chosen for her expertise in the subject
matter. The researcher used primary and qualitative research methods as they are easier
to perceive and are more effective . The interview consisted of 10 open -ended questions .
Challenges that were faced were limited time and limited insight into team dynamics .
Some limitations that were faced were difficulty accessing team dynamics and small
sample size of candidate behaviour.
 Review of the Industry

Market and Industry Review Community Needs Assessment: Mercy and Truth Ministries

conducts thorough assessments of the communities they serve to understand the social,

economic, and environmental challenges faced by residents. This includes demographic analysis,

identifying areas of high need, and assessing existing services and resources.

Trends and Developments: They review trends and developments in relevant sectors such as

social services, community development, and religious organizations. This also include changes

in government policies, emerging social issues, and advancements in service delivery models.

Competitive Landscape: While not in direct competition, Mercy and Truth Ministries review

other organizations and agencies providing similar services or addressing similar needs. This

helps them understand potential collaborators, identify gaps in services, and differentiate their

offerings.

A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF MTM’s PROGRAM LISTING.

MTM TV News Magazine Talking truth Word and Spirit
Overcoming The Gaithers Word impact
Passion and purity The Issachar Hour Word Power
Pastor Christworth Hearing The Master’s word Word Vibes
Praise Deliverance The Methodist Connexion
Ministries
Pure passion This is Life
Small bible study group Victory Thru Faith
Sip ‘N’ Chat Voice of Grace
Something more Walk free
Sonship training centre Walking in your purpose
Stories of Grace Walking on the word
Winning ways
 PRESENTATION OF INTERVIEW REPORT

Mindset

The name of the business is Mercy and Truth Ministries (MTM). The venture was
described by the entrepreneur as the Caribbean's largest Christian television
network.MTM wide range of programmes are broadcast on television over Jamaica,
Barbados, Grenda, Curacao and more. The location of the venture is Trade Centre Shop
#9 30-32, 10 Red Hills Rd, Kingston. Characteristics of an entrepreneur are
innovation,confidence,risk- taking, persistence, creativity and hard-working. The
entrepreneur stated that prior to starting the venture she was about 17 years old, when she
became a born-again Christian, and her life began to take a positive turn. Since then she
has had a passion for the church and wanted to spread gospel and let the teachings of
Christ be heard.
The entrepreneur believes that some key factors that contributed to her success is her
persistence and determination in knowing what she wanted to achieve.She loves what she
does and while the early years of MTM were particularly difficult, she said. She
continued to get local pastors and church leaders to support MTM. She asked a lot of
pastors in the Corporate Area, some of whom were already on the air, to give her their
tapes so that she could broadcast their sermons on Mercy and Truth Ministries). But a lot
of them turned her down.This did not stop Ms.Hanson because she was determined and
her venture is now successful and expanding.

Processes, practices and challenges

The entrepreneur started a venture to spread the teachings of Christ worldwide.

Regardless of the multiple rejections and financial setbacks she was persistent and it was
worth it in the end.The venture review of market and industry consists of community
needs assessment, Mercy and Truth Ministries conducts thorough assessments of the
communities they serve to understand the social, economic, and environmental
challenges faced by residents. This includes demographic analysis, identifying areas of
high need, and assessing existing services and resources.
A challenge faced is building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders,
including donors, , community members, and partner organizations, seeing that the
business has grown immensely though it is essential for further success of Mercy and
Truth Ministries. Engaging stakeholders effectively and keeping them motivated and
involved can be challenging.Another challenge is resource constraints limited resources,
including staff and physical infrastructure, can pose significant challenges for MTM.
Balancing the demand for services with available resources requires careful prioritization
and strategic decision-making.The final challenge entails communities evolving, and the
needs of the people they serve may change over time. Mercy and Truth Ministries must
continually assess and adapt their programs and services to address emerging needs
effectively.

Creativity and Innovation

The venture was founded in 1988 and has evolved into using today’s technology to
spread the ageless word of God, MTM TV is not just a network, it is a Ministry. It is
blessed by the support of a gifted technical and administrative team, an Executive
Consultant team and powered by the passion of Founder and President. Creativity and
innovation were factored by identifying community needs, conducting thorough
assessments of the needs within the communities they serve. This could involve gathering
data, conducting surveys or interviews, and consulting with local leaders and residents to
understand the most pressing issues.During brainstorming sessions, participants engage
in creativity exercises such as mind mapping, role-playing, or idea association to spark
innovative thinking and generate a wide range of ideas. Current conditions for nurturing
innovation in the venture has been implemented through partnerships and collaborations,
Mercy and Truth Ministries collaborates with local churches, government agencies,
international organizations, and more to enhance its programs and reach a wider
audience. These partnerships enable MTM to leverage resources, expertise, and networks
to maximise its impact and effectiveness. some information about MTM.

IMPACT ON SELF

Kelsian’s impact on self

This research has unveiled the intricate processes involved in launching a business,
highlighting the fundamental truth that success and greater contentment are rooted in
unwavering hard work. The researcher was granted a newfound appreciation for the
significance of entrepreneurs.Adequate capital, a robust business plan, commitment, and
adaptability to market shifts are crucial for a successful start-up. Education isn't the sole
determinant; having the right skills and mindset lightens the load. Poor planning, poor
communication and record-keeping often lead to business failures.The key is to always
look forward, not limiting one's potential and shifting focus from mistakes to overcoming
challenges.Discovering Mrs.Diane Hanson unwavering drive and passion for her business
served as a potent inspiration for my own future endeavours as a business owner.

Janae’s impact on self

After the successful completion of this Internal Assessment, I have gained perspective on
the particular characteristics that are needed in order to be a successful entrepreneur. I
also gained insight on the key factors that contributed to the entrepreneur becoming so
successful. This research has given me a new found respect for entrepreneurs and the
skills and attributes needed in order to make it in the realm of Entrepreneurship. The
research done has also been very informative for my future aspiration by showing me
how to go about becoming an entrepreneur.

Jinelle’s impact on self

In doing this IA I have come to realise how important entrepreneurs are . It has also
helped me to see things from their perspective , it was a very educational journey on how
businesses are run and alot more , also it shows that nothing comes easy and that
hardwork is the key to a successful business . It has been a huge help in furthering my
knowledge for my future career as I also want to become an entrepreneur and flight
attendant . This sba was very informative and helpful to me and I hope it does the same to
others.

Joel’s impact on self

Being exposed to the experiences and mindset of a successful entrepreneur helped me

develop a more entrepreneurial outlook, embracing risk-taking, innovation, and a
proactive approach to challenges.Learning from the experiences of those who have
successfully navigated the entrepreneurial path has fueled my motivation to embark on
my own venture. Their stories of resilience and determination have served as a powerful
source of inspiration, pushing me to overcome obstacles and stay committed to my
entrepreneurial goals.The findings have underscored the importance of calculated risk-
taking and innovation in the entrepreneurial realm. I now view risk not as a deterrent but
as an inherent part of the entrepreneurial process. This perspective shift has motivated me
to explore innovative solutions and approaches in my venture creation journey.

CONCLUSION

Throughout this internal Assessment the researchers uncovered invaluable lessons and
perspectives, illuminating the importance of resilience, adaptability, innovation, and
strategic thinking in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the entrepreneurial
journey. Armed with these insights, we are better equipped to chart our own paths
towards success, leveraging the wisdom and experiences of those who have gone before
us to inform our decisions and inspire our actions. By continually seeking to understand
and learn from the experiences of successful entrepreneurs, we can cultivate the mindset
and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape, ultimately realizing
our full potential as entrepreneurs and leaders.

The research that was done was helpful in helping us have a better understanding of what
is needed to become an entrepreneur. It has also shown us that strong leadership is needed
and how to minimise the impact of potential setbacks of failures in the business. It also
tells us that mistakes are inevitable and how to foster a culture where members feel
comfortable in admitting their mistakes . Also it shows us how to ensure effective
communication and collaboration with members from different backgrounds and
perspectives.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography

Spencer, C, O’mard,J (2016) Cape-Entrepreneurship: Unit 1- Entrepreneurship Theory.

Commonwealth of Learning (COL); Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Education, Science
and
Technology

APPENDIX
1.How do you define effective communication in a business setting, and how do you
ensure that your team is on the same page with organizational goals?
● I ensure alignment by regularly communicating organizational goals, fostering an
open-door policy, and utilizing collaboration tools.

2.Describe a situation where you had to exercise strong leadership skills to navigate a
challenging business scenario. What strategies did you employ, and what was the
outcome?
● During a market downturn, I led a cross-functional team through a strategic
reevaluation. I maintained transparency, provided reassurance, and encouraged input
from team members. The outcome was a revised strategy that not only minimise negative
impacts but also positioned the company for future growth.

3.Can you share a specific instance where you faced a setback and how you managed to
overcome it, with the use of Artificial Intelligence both personally and within the
business context?
● A product launch faced unexpected delays due to technical issues. I took
responsibility, communicated transparently with stakeholders, and l devised a plan to
implement automation because it can streamline repetitive tasks and processes, reducing
human error and increasing operational efficiency, thereby minimising the occurrence of
setbacks.This experience taught me the importance of thorough risk assessment and
proactive problem-solving.

4. Using Artificial Intelligence, what proactive strategies do you implement to minimise

the impact of potential setbacks or failures in your business?
● l implement predictive Modelling, this is where AI algorithms can forecast future
trends and outcomes based on historical data, helping businesses anticipate potential
setbacks and implement proactive strategies to mitigate. This proactive approach ensures
we can respond swiftly and effectively to unforeseen circumstances.

5.During a crisis, effective communication becomes even more crucial. How do you
communicate with your team and stakeholders during challenging times to maintain trust
and confidence?
● In times of crisis, I prioritize clear and frequent communication. I provide honest
updates, acknowledge uncertainties, and outline the steps being taken. Establishing a
crisis communication plan in advance helps ensure a coordinated and transparent
response.

6.Mistakes are inevitable. How do you foster a culture where team members feel
comfortable admitting their mistakes, and how do you turn these instances into learning
opportunities?
● I emphasize that mistakes are part of growth and actively celebrate lessons
learned. Creating a non-punitive environment encourages openness. During team
meetings, we discuss mistakes, analyze root causes, and collaboratively develop
strategies to avoid similar issues in the future.
7.In the dynamic business environment, adaptability is key. Can you share a situation
where you had to adapt your business strategy in response to unforeseen challenges or
market shifts?
● In response to emerging market trends, we adjusted our product positioning and
marketing strategy. This shift required quick decision-making, reallocation of resources,
and effective communication to ensure a seamless transition. The outcome was increased
market share and customer satisfaction.

8.In today's globalized and diverse business landscape, how do you ensure effective
communication and collaboration across teams with different cultural backgrounds and
perspectives?
● I promote cultural awareness through training, encourage open dialogue about
diverse perspectives, and utilize communication tools that accommodate different
languages and time zones. Regular team-building activities foster a sense of unity and
understanding.

9.How do you create a supportive and inclusive environment where team members feel
encouraged to communicate openly and share their ideas, even in the face of potential
failures?
● I prioritize inclusivity by actively seeking input from all team members,
recognizing and appreciating diverse contributions. I celebrate both successes and
constructive suggestions, emphasizing that a collaborative environment is crucial for
innovation and growth.

10.In the ever-evolving business landscape, how do you promote a culture of continuous
improvement, both in terms of communication processes and overall business strategies?
● I encourage a mindset of continuous learning and improvement by regularly
gathering feedback, conducting post-mortems on projects, and investing in professional
development opportunities. By fostering a culture of adaptability, we ensure that our
communication processes and business strategies stay agile and relevant.