The creation of new products and inventions amongst Polytechnic students in Singapore

• Main Authors: Ang, Mei Chi, Lee, Grace Li Jueen, Teo, Meng Hwee
• Other Authors: Tan Beng Kim
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: DRNTU::Business
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/62721
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Singapore is a country which lacks natural resources and hence, has to rely heavily on human capital to compete in the global market place. Various measures have been taken by the government to increase the fund of human knowledge. One strategic move made by the authorities is the attempt to cultivate inventive thinking among the young. This is especially evident in the polytechnics' curriculum whereby the students are given an opportunity to work on innovative projects in their final year. This study seeks to: (a) explore the process involved in the creation of new products, (b) look at the problems and difficulties encountered by the inventors in the course of their research, and (c) study the effectiveness of the products and their suitability for commercialization. To achieve these objectives, two research measuring instruments were employed to gather data, namely, the questionnaire and the interview. Questionnaires were administered to 40 Singapore Polytechnic and N gee Ann Polytechnic graduates selected from lists obtained from the schools. This survey resulted in a response rate of 55%. Interviews were conducted with these 22 graduates. The information obtained from the questionnaire and interviews are presented and discussed under 3 categories, namely, Industrial Projects, Award-winning Projects, and Non-industrial Projects.Generally, the respondents from the three classes went through similar stages before completion of their prototypes. However, each group had its own unique set of problems and difficulties during the development process. Nevertheless , it was found that all the products were able to benefit users in one way or another. On the whole, the objectives of this study have been met. This research had also confirmed the vital role of creativity in inventions. The steps that the schools can take to enhance their students' inventions include: (i) allowing students to choose their project topics , (ii) looking for more sponsorships, (iii) exhibiting all students' projects during the polytechnics' Open House, and (iv) providing sufficient facilities required for the projects. Furthermore, the students should ensure that they are equipped with the basic knowledge essential for the development process and follow a systematic approach. To sum up, the polytechnics have been successful in implementing this program aimed at cultivating inventive thinking among their students. The final year project has either reinforced or enabled the respondents to cultivate interests in invention. Accordingly, the objectives of the government to create an awareness in inventions and the polytechnics to enhance the human capital and disseminate this valuable resource to the society have both been achieved.