The role of universities is very important in helping Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to develop further, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is what Widyatama University (UTama) has been doing through its Community Service (PKM) activities.
Among other things, this involves collaboration between lecturers from the D3 Management, S1 Management, and Master of Management programs, who conduct training for MSME entrepreneurs in the cities of Bandung and Yogyakarta.
Dr. Artarina D. A. Samoedra, S.Sos., M.M., Chair of the PKM team, explained that lecturers from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) and the Graduate School of UTama collaborated to conduct PKM activities by sharing knowledge from academics and insights from practitioners online.
Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Widyatama University, Dr. Hj. R. Adjeng Mariana F, S.E., M.M. (right)
The theme is “Creating and Inspiring Standardized Local Wisdom for Excellent MSMEs in Enhancing Commercialization in the International Market (MSMEs in Bandung and Yogyakarta).”
“Praise be to God, the activity was held on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021. It was a collaboration between the Faculty of Economics and Business and the UTama Postgraduate Program,” said Artarina recently.
“The PkM activity was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Widyatama University, Dr. Hj. R. Adjeng Mariana F, S.E., M.M., and the Head of LP2M at Widyatama University, Dr. Ratna Komala Putri, S.E., M.Si.,” she added.
The PkM team invited three speakers, namely Pardji Rono Wijoyo, Development Staff at Hamzah Batik Yogyakarta, which is a partner in the activity; Dr. Gallang P. Dalimunthe, S.E., M.M., Lecturer in Management at the Faculty of Economics and Business, UTama; and Dr. Mariana Rachmawati, S.E., M.M., Lecturer in Management at the Master’s Program, UTama.
Pardji Rono Wijoyo, Development Staff at Hamzah Batik Yogyakarta (right)
On that occasion, Pardji Rono Wijoyo from Hamzah Batik Yogyakarta presented a paper entitled “Business Development Strategies through the Utilization of Local Cultural Heritage as Capital for Creativity and Innovation.”
He revealed the factors that contributed to the success of Hamzah Batik Yogyakarta, one of which was based on observations of what the market liked and wanted. This includes the ability to take advantage of existing opportunities. This will lead to creativity and innovation by utilizing available resources.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gallang P. Dalimunthe, S.E., M.M., discussed “Enhancing Creative Entrepreneurship Competencies.” According to him, an important thing that entrepreneurs must do is to be able to utilize existing media, especially the development of digital technology. Entrepreneurs are expected to be able to utilize technology that is tailored to the characteristics of their respective consumers.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mariana Rachmawati, S.E., M.M., presented material on the theme of “Efforts to Improve the Performance of the Blankon Surjan Yogyakarta Company by Enhancing Strategic Partnerships”.
Mariana revealed that the strategy to develop a business during the current COVID-19 pandemic is to seek partners/affiliates so that the business can continue to grow. In addition, entrepreneurs must be consistent, have strong commitment, be confident, and always believe in moving forward.
Dr. Gallang P. Dalimunthe, S.E., M.M. (right)
In addition, the event also featured a sharing session with two business practitioners, Giyanti from Sogga Batik Yogyakarta and Gumelar Bayu Fadhillah, owner of Lembur Kuring Hidroponik Bandung.
During the session, Giyanti, owner of Sogga Batik Yogyakarta and partner of this event, talked about her business, which she has been running for approximately 20 years and has experienced ups and downs, especially during the pandemic.
According to her, with confidence, commitment, and belief in her abilities, Sogga Batik has managed to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
Next, Gumelar Bayu Fadhilah, an alumnus of UTama, who successfully runs an agribusiness using the hydroponic system, shared his success story.
Dr. Mariana Rachmawati, B.A., M.B.A. (right)
According to Bayu, the key to success as an entrepreneur is not to be afraid of failure, but to keep getting back up and fighting. Because failure provides lessons for achieving success.
This activity was held with the support of the Widyatama Foundation, the Rector of UTama, LP2M UTama, the Faculty of Economics and Business UTama, the UTama Graduate School, and the PKM team consisting of Annisa Lisdayanti, S.E., M.M; Dinda Kayani Putri Bestari, S.M.B., M.M; Dr. Gallang Perdhana Dalimunthe, S.E., M.M; Ni Putu Nurwita Pratami Wijaya, S.M.B., M.M; Dr. Mariana Rachmawati, S.E., M.M; Dr. H. Deden Sutisna M. N., S.E., M.Si; Dr. Hj. R. Adjeng Mariana, F, S.E., M.M; Dr. Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung, S.Si., M.Si; Dr. Lilis Yuaningsih, S.E., M.Si; Dr. Suharno Pawirosumarto, M.M; Oktora Yogi Sari, S.Sos., M.T; Intan Widuri Sakti, S.T., M.M; Nugraha Saefudin, S.T., M.M; Dr. Yenny Maya Dora, S.T., M.M; Yusep Budiansyah, Drs, M.Pd; as well as students Tanzania Eriza Yuniar; Farli Muhamad Burhanudin; Siti Nuraisyah; Shayla Azzahra Tivania; Vimbi Mustopa; Arini Putri Nathania, and students from the Master of Management program.
It is hoped that the PkM activity can provide direct benefits to various parties, especially the MSMEs participating in this activity.
(Source: majalahsora.com)
