Business students run bazaar at ADWC

Students in their second year of HCT-ADWC's program in Applied Business and Technology plan and run their own "mini-businesses" as a course requirement.

In this effort, students outline a marketing plan; decide on a pricing strategy; prepare promotional activities; buy or make products; and prepare paperwork to keep track of sales and income.

ADWC faculty member Dina Al Alami, who teachers the integrative project course, said it "give students the opportunity to practice their business knowledge in a real business setting, that is, the Bazaar."

Dr. Bradley Cook, ADWC Director, added,

"This class supports 'learning-by-doing.' Students may find the course tough, but they also find it to be a very meaningful experience."

Students admitted that the course is demanding, with such real-life elements as tight deadlines and stiff competition from fellow students.

A total of 140 students sold products or provided a service during this year's Bazaar. One business diploma student said,

"This experience has taught me to work out all details of my business ahead of time, because surprises are not nice."

Student-run short-term businesses on ADWC's campus sold items like perfumes, toys, laptop accessories, and many kinds of foods, among other things.

Other businesses at the Bazaar provided such services as henna drawings for the hands and photos by a professional photographer.

Customers showed appreciation for the goods and services on offer by purchasing with enthusiasm.