What Makes You So Special?

1)      Filling a need that can help many in affected flooding areas.

·  Valuable: This is valuable because there is a need to help those affected by flooding in the Midwest.

· Rare: This may not be very rare, I am sure those that are affected are willing to determine different ways of trying to solve the issue.

·  Inimitable: I believe this is a unique situation that affects many.

·  Non-substitutable: There might be other solutions but this is a great option.

2)      Human Capital: Able to make connections

               ·  Valuable: I believe connections I made during Engineering school would help find                      and mechanical engineers that can create the monitoring system.

· Rare: As a part of a Professional Engineering Fraternity, I was able to meet all types of engineers across the country.

·  Inimitable: My experiences were entirely unique.

·  Non-substitutable: Depending on involvement during college, some could have similar connections.

3)      Determined to succeed:

·  Valuable: Hardworking individual who will work hard to complete tasks and deadlines.

· Rare: Some people have the quality while others don’t.

·  Inimitable: It can be a quality that others want to be after watching someone who is determined.

·  Non-substitutable: The level of determination varies depending on the person.

4)      Sustainable

               ·  Valuable: This project is sustainable as a long term solution

· Rare: It might be one of a few options available

·  Inimitable: It doesn’t apply in this case

·  Non-substitutable: One can’t substitute sustainable actions

5)      Time Management: Able to meet deadlines

·  Valuable: Able to meet deadlines is huge in New Product Development in order to keep a schedule and put the product out in the market.

· Rare: Time management skills are not rare and can be learned

·  Inimitable: Can be learned out of necessity or taught

·  Non-substitutable: It cannot be substituted with another skill

6)      Project Management Experience

               ·  Valuable: In order to keep projects on task, project management experience is helpful

· Rare: It is becoming more common as companies learn how important it is.

·  Inimitable: Yes, through certifications like PMP.

·  Non-substitutable: Each project is different and can learn the same skills in different ways.

7)      Network: UF

·  Valuable: UF provides opportunities for many of their students to access alumni in the field as well as subject matter experts to share their inputs

· Rare: UF students have the same level of access to the same resources

·  Inimitable: Only UF has this specific resource

·  Non-substitutable: Other universities can have similar but not the exact same.

8)      Lack of competition

·  Valuable: Those who are trying to solve the problem will not take away from the market share of this product.

· Rare: It is rare to have everyone working toward the same goal regardless of how they achieve this.

·  Inimitable: Can’t be copied, it depends on the type of product and market

·  Non-substitutable: It can’t be substituted, it doesn’t apply.

9)      Innovative Thought

·  Valuable: Innovation is the heart of New Product Development and also problem solving

· Rare: This is somewhat rare           

·  Inimitable: It can’t be learned, just a quality someone has

·  Non-substitutable: It can’t be substituted for another skill

10)   Leadership Ability

·  Valuable: In order to successfully create a product or run a company, leadership will determine whether they can succeed.

· Rare: This is not a rare trait

·  Inimitable: Leadership can be learned through experience

·  Non-substitutable: This skill is not substitutable

After conducting a VRIN analysis, I found that filling the need of a community to help those in affected areas is the top resource. Along with capital, companies and people are more willing to help those who they can directly impact or people “we can see.” This will help get more resources to complete this task.