The group (cluster) of lecturers from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Widyatama University (UTama) Saturday (05/08) carried out Community Service (PkM) activities through management training for a number of traders in Sukamaju Village, Cibeunying Kidul District, Bandung city.
This activity was carried out by the FEB UTama team consisting of six lecturers who are competent in their fields with the aim of generating enthusiasm and increasing the innovation of local traders. The six lecturers consist of Indra Taruna Angkaradja, Vina Silviani Marinda, Shendy Amelia, Anton Budi Santoso, Didi Tarmidi, and Radea Respati.
Apart from that, two people from the student element, Ari Aryandi and Muhammad Ibrahim, also participated in the management training activity. The activity has the theme of Efforts to Increase Motivation for Traders in Sukamaju Village, Cibeunying Kidul District, Bandung City.
The speaker at the event, lecturer Vina Marinda explained the importance of increasing motivation to innovate for business people, especially traders in the village.
According to the speaker, innovation is the main key in facing challenges that continue to grow in the era of globalization and technological progress. In the midst of rapid change, traders have an important role in local economic life.
The Importance of Innovation in Business
In another part of his explanation, the speaker also alluded to the notion of innovation which he called a process of creating and implementing new ideas that can bring positive changes in products, services or business processes.
For traders, innovation can help them adapt to market changes, increase competitiveness and overcome economic challenges. In the midst of increasingly fierce competition, the ability to innovate can be a determining factor for success in running a business, said Vina Marinda.
The context of the Sukamaju Village
Kelurahan Sukamaju is an integral part of the city of Bandung which has unique characteristics. Traders in this region face various challenges such as fluctuations in market demand, changes in consumer trends, and limited access to resources. Therefore, an activity with the aim of increasing the spirit of innovation is an urgent need.
The Cluster Team of PkM FEB UTama lecturers through their speakers explained in detail the meaning of steps to increase motivation to innovate as follows:
1. Education and Training: Organizing training and workshops on the importance of innovation in business and how to develop creative ideas. This can help traders understand that innovation is not difficult, but requires will and skills that can be developed.
2. Inspiring Sharing: Inviting successful traders from outside the region to share inspirational stories about how innovation has changed their business. This real experience can motivate traders in Sukamaju Village to think more forward.
3. Collaboration and Networking: Helping merchants form networks and collaborations with fellow traders, as well as local education and innovation institutions. Collaboration can broaden their views and bring up new ideas.
4. Innovation Certification and Rewards: Create a special award or certification program for merchants who implement innovation in their business. This recognition can spur the spirit of innovation.
5. Mentoring: Providing mentors or innovation consultants who can guide traders in developing innovative ideas and assist in the implementation process.
Overcoming Barriers and Challenges
The speaker also said that efforts to increase motivation to innovate might face several obstacles, such as a lack of understanding of innovation, fear of failure, and limited resources. Therefore, it is important to provide ongoing assistance, support and education.
Increasing the motivation to innovate among traders in the Sukamaju Village, Bandung, is a vital step in dealing with change and increasing competitiveness.
Through education, training and networking, the spirit of innovation can be increased, bringing benefits to traders, local communities and the region’s economy as a whole.***
(Source Sabakota.id: https://www.sabakota.id/economic/689803362/6-dosen-feb-universitas-widyatama-beri-pejuangan-manajemen-kepada-pedagang-di-kota-bandung?page=1)