Zayed University students set up firm

A greeting card company established by Zayed University students will once again open its doors to the public on December 25.

Previously named 'Living Occasions', the company is now run by a new board of directors and members with a new set of goals. 'Memorable Moments' is being headed by the second batch of students who are due to graduate in January.

The company, part of the graduation project for the communications students, made a profit of Dh4,500 last spring. Memorable Moments will sell greeting cards, gifts and chocolates to their teachers, colleagues and friends. The team of 19 students hopes to reach a similar target.

Frank Mara, Associate Professor of the College of Communication and supervisor of the capstone project, said: "The project has proven to be successful. Students get to learn first hand about how to solve problems. They also learn that there is a big difference between what they would like to happen and what gets done.

"The project is supposed to tie everything together. The students get to learn about teamwork, leadership and different communications strategies. They form the company, they decide what they want to sell and then go through the process of selling the product.

"It is a business simulated project but communications is the important factor. Through the company they can demonstrate their skills and internal and external communications abilities."

After interviewing each of the students carefully, nine students were selected to be the directors of the project who supervise and delegate work to the members.

The company has directors of sales, design, production, public relations, operations and finance.

With their capital of Dh2,000 the students must design new cards and get them printed. They also have to decorate their stalls, advertise and buy goods that can be retailed at a profit.

During the capstone project last spring Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of Zayed University, and his guests were impressed by the quality and design of the cards.