WEEK 10: SMP32103 SERVICES MARKETING (SULAM)

WEEK 10: PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESS UPDATE

     We have now reached Week 10, and our group’s project development is becoming increasingly positive, organized and structured. After successfully completing the much-anticipated visit and interview session with the owner of Oxalis Homestay last week, our group has managed to gather a wealth of important and insightful information. These findings have become the core foundation upon which we are now building the content and direction of our project.

        The data collected during the field visit included detailed insights into the internal operations of the homestay, such as day-to-day management, staff roles and the booking system used whether through online platforms, direct messaging or walk-in bookings. In addition, we gained valuable input on the marketing strategies implemented, particularly the use of social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok to promote the homestay to a wider audience. The homestay owner’s willingness to share his personal journey, from humble beginnings to current growth, adds a rich narrative that we believe will enhance the uniqueness and authenticity of our project.

       All of this input has given us a clearer, broader, and more comprehensive understanding of what it takes to manage a successful homestay in a rural tourism setting. This real-world information not only relates to our research, but it also provides practical knowledge that connects well with the theory and concepts we have learned in class.

        With data in hand, our group is now fully engaged in the process of completing individual sections of the assignment, based on the division of tasks agreed upon in previous meetings. Responsibilities have been distributed fairly, taking into account each member’s strengths, areas of interest, and writing style, ensuring that everyone is working on the components they are interested in. This strategic distribution has significantly increased productivity and motivation across the team.

        To stay on track and maintain momentum, we have also set deadlines to monitor our progress. Each member is expected to complete their section within a specific timeframe so that we have sufficient time for editing, proofreading, and final editing before the submission date. We strongly believe that effective time management, along with consistent and transparent communication, is essential to the successful completion of a group project of this scale.

In this phase, the work involves several key elements:

• Checking against the data collected.
• Drafting and revising the written content for our report.
• Structure the layout of the report according to the required format.
• Integrating visual support materials, such as photos from the visit, or infographics summarizing key findings.

        Overall, we are very satisfied and encouraged by the progress of our project. The group dynamic remains strong, and the sense of responsibility, collaboration, and mutual respect continues to drive the quality of our work. The journey so far has not only strengthened our academic understanding but also helped us improve our interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. With the continued commitment of each group member, we are confident that this project will be successfully completed, with results to be proud of.

        We are really excited to see how everything comes together in the final report in the coming weeks and look forward to presenting the culmination of our hard work and learning experiences.