OnCampus London Studying Experience - Admission/Application Essay Example

Assessment Title:

Reflective Diary

Programme of Study:

Undergraduate Foundation Programme (UFP)

Module of Study:

Skills for Business

Student No.:

Date of Submission:

Word Count:

• Introduction

I am a student at OnCampus London, taking undergraduate foundation programme (UFP). The module of study for this reflective diary is the Skills for Business, that offers insight in business operations and relevant management skills. The current learning diary will reflect on the various lessons and skills for this module. It has three sections that echo presentations skills learned during the marketing mix presentation, argumentation and academic essay writing in the CSR essay, and skills regarding exams. By completing this diary, I hope to learn the value of self-appraisal and quality work, and reflect on the competencies in this course.

• Section 1: Presentation Skills (Marketing Mix Presentation)

2.1 Description and Feelings

Recently, I did a PowerPoint presentation on the delivery of Deliveroo organic vegetables that focused on improving vegetables in the area. When preparing the presentation, I had to follow strict guidelines and timelines. I had to follow the fulfil all the requirements of the grading rubric, as well as incorporate the 4 Ps of marketing mix, that is, product, price, place, and promotion. Besides, I had to adhere to a strict deadline set by my professor. Importantly, the rubric or guideline for the presentation was straight forward and easy to follow. Further, it was both an exciting and informative experiencing, but challenging and complex. Precisely, collecting, analysing, and representing data was challenging. However, the 4 Ps marketing mix approach made it easier to organize my work accordingly and with ease.

The part I enjoyed most about the presentation was preparing and designing the PowerPoint presentation. It provided me with an opportunity to use my creative genius, as I explored innovative and artistic ways to present the information. At the end I loved the outcome. Data collection was frustrating when selecting what to add. Although, I expected this challenge, it did not occur to me that it would be that overwhelming.

2.2 Reflection (Evaluation and Analysis)

The presentation provided me with an opportunity to test my understanding of various business concepts by applying them in real life situation. In this regard, I am convinced that I managed to apply the 4 Ps of the marketing mix successfully, which that I had acquired some skills in this module. The 4 Ps marketing model provides a beneficial method of introducing a new product or service to the market. The model helps a person or firm avoid making mistakes that might be costly or disastrous.

I followed the formatting guidelines of the rubric correctly and managed to produce a respectable and superior presentation. It provided a comprehensive breakdown, which was expected of me from the presentation. In this regard, I endeavoured to follow each to the letter and pay attention to every detail. In so doing, I managed to come up with an impressive presentation. Therefore, I am convinced that I excelled in fulfilling the relevant requirements and achieving the objectives of the assignment.

However, I let my creativity take the better part of me, which resulted in a presentation that appears too casual, as opposed to formal. From the outset, I found it challenging to find the most suitable format for my PowerPoint from the several available, which is essential in limiting incompatibility issues. Eventually, I had to choose the format, theme, and layout that would best present my work. Yet, I ended up with a feeling that employed so much creative liberty that the final presentation managed to fulfil the objective to inform, but failed in appropriateness of the design. Besides, I forgot to include secondary research to support or justify the improvement that needed to be made.

The experience was useful in various ways. First, the whole process helped me appreciate the marketing mix as powerful business tool. I learned that identifying and organizing the various relevant components can enable a firm to make marketing decisions that are profitable across all levels. A business can identify areas that it strengthens or limit vulnerabilities, enhance its competitiveness and adapt to the market, and foster better and gainful collaborations between partners and departments (Wahab et al., 2016). Second, I learned how to apply market mix when introducing new products or services to the target customers Therefore, I have developed a proper understanding of the essentials of product development and marketing.

Going forward, I intend to incorporate all the above lessons to improve my presentations. Now, I have sound grasp of the process of preparing and presenting a persuasive and compelling PowerPoint presentation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to reflect on the entire experience through this learning journal. I understand the importance of clear and relevant objectives.

• Section 2: Argumentation and Academic Essay Writing (CSR Essay)

3.1 Description and Feelings

As part of my module requirements, I wrote an essay on corporate social responsibility (CSR), where I explored the issue of whether a business has a responsibility to extend beyond profitability. When writing the essay, I had to follow the set guidelines including the formatting, word count, proper grammar, and comprehensive research supported by current evidence. I felt enthused and increasingly motivated to write this essay as I was anxious to find out whether a business should engage in community outreach (social) or environmental activities. Particularly, this is because I have always held a strong belief that a company has a responsibility towards its immediate surrounding.

However, I was oblivious of the fact that the main purpose of business is to make profits. I enjoyed exploring contrasting perspectives regarding the subject as well as applying it to a real case company. Yet, I did not like the part of paraphrasing the different concepts, as some of the ideas were relatively complex and confusing. Furthermore, it took me a considerable of time to find appropriate and reputable sources for the essay. Notwithstanding, I found the part of formatting to be relatively easier contrary to my expectations, which made it a delightful experience for me.

3.2 Reflection (Evaluation and Analysis)

I did well in various aspects of the essay. To start with, the essay was thoroughly researched, with each fact supported with relevant justification and reasoning. Besides, the original statement agrees with the key points of the essay, while examples satisfactorily supports the suggestions. In simpler terms, the thesis of my essay resonates well will the main points discussed in the paper. Further, during the analysis I put into consideration both the merits and demerits of corporate social responsibility. Additionally, I included some of the key issues or challenges that may arise, as well as the examples of ways in which CSR would go right or wrong. To put it simply, I managed to present the essay well, include the relevant theory and examples, was structured well, and succeeded in presenting points to support my argument.

On the contrary, there are some areas that I did not do well in the essay. To start with, I did not manage to explore deeply the application aspect of the CSR essay. According to the feedback, I should have delved further into the subject during the analysis, which would have led to richer findings and a better understanding of the topic. Apart from that, I had some formatting errors, such as, failure to use third person, my use of font, and use of spacing was not uniform all through the essay. In formal or academic essay writing, it is important to stick to a particular format from start to finish. Briefly put, the significance of presenting my scholarly work professionally through correct formation cannot be underemphasized. In fact, I am convinced that I learned several essay writing skills by the time I completed compiling the essay.

Consequently, as noted above, I have learned a lot from the whole writing process and need to make various relevant adjustments. As a start, I am now conversant with the essay writing process, especially though the use of various techniques such as brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revision, and editing. I found these techniques useful in helping breakdown the essay and refines key ideas in the essay. Further, I appreciated the value of the paper into three broad sections, that is, the introduction, body, and conclusion. cumulatively, these new skills will enable me write more coherent, clear and straightforward, well formatted, professional, and superior quality papers in the future.

Going forward, I intend to improve my academic essay writing and argumentation putting into consideration key aspects of focus, development, unity, coherence, correctness, and creativity. I focus my essays such that they have a clear key idea or thesis that ties the entire paper together with each paragraph having a topic sentence or main point that expands the thesis or purpose statement (Calkins and Ehrenworth, 2016). Consequently, I will develop the paper in such a way that the key points or ideas in each paragraph support or support the main idea. The ideas in every paragraph will be clarified and exemplified through descriptions, details, and examples. Further, I will ensure the unity of each paragraph in the essay by relating it and sticking to the central idea. Notably, I will maintain coherence by organizing my research in logical, smooth flowing, and systematic manner (Calkins and Ehrenworth, 2016). Finally, I will concentrate on correctness to ascertain that I write in correct English standard, relatively free or errors, proper formatting, and use of complete sentences among others.

• Section 3: Exam Preparation and Exam Taking Skills

4.1 Description and Feelings

The most unique experiences in this programme was my preparation for and completion of all exams at OnCampus London. I spent considerable amount of time studying, researching, and revising to pass exams. I took short hand notes, visuals, and mind maps to help me remember various concepts. Come exam time, I paid particular attention to the instructions, format, and ensured that I stuck to the time requirements. I felt eager, prepare for the exams, but still anxious during the exam time. I worried about forgeting crucial concepts or to failing.

The part I liked most was the exams structure, clear guidelines, and sufficient time requirements. From the outset, it was clear what was expected of me in the exams, thus it was easier and enjoyable preparing. Time and exam guidelines allowed me to complete the questions and go through. Conversely, I did not like it when I prepared adequately, but ended up panicking when it came to taking the exam. Besides, I felt a lot of pressure to perform well, as it would be a gateway into my career of choice. I felt awful every time I took an exam and found some parts more challenging than I had expected.

4.2 Reflection (Evaluation and Analysis)

Throughout the module I did my best to ensure that I was adequately prepared to take on the exams. I endeavoured to apply all the skills and concepts I learned in classed, which has paid considerably well in most of the exams. Based on the results of the exams, I am convinced that I did a satisfactory job. However, I feel that as though I should have performed better than that. In everything I do, especially in studies, I dedicate considerable effort and push myself to attain academic excellence. Notwithstanding, I feel as though my performance so far has been blow par. At one point I found myself procrastinate, that eventually led for the need to cram some concepts, which did not work well after I panicked during the exam. For this reason, I need to focus attention into my weak areas and bolster or improve my strengths as well. My goal is to become an A plus student, something am yet to achieve.

The experience of preparing and taking exams was useful because I learned various important things. First, I should avoid procrastinating at all costs, as it will lead to cramming, which is not an effective study method (Felder and Stice, 2014). Instead, I will purpose to allocate sufficient time to study, as well as start the habit review lecture notes on time and complete assigned readings beforehand. Apart from that, I will start planning my study time by allocating adequate time to study on a regular basis. Notably, I will have to stick to the scheduled time to ensure that I do not start procrastinating. Second, I have realised the value of consulting my professors or instructors and watching for clues on how they prepare the test questions. To achieve this, I will need to study previous tests, as well as consult them whenever the need arises.

Going forward, I intend to review my lecture notes, assigned readings, and all other relevant class materials in time. Further, I will consider forming a study group or liaising with my classmates to prepare for exams. I hope that this will enable me up my note taking skills, fill any understanding gaps, optimise my time, explore complex topic and concepts, acquire new or additional knowledge on test scope, and have a system of support (Felder and Stice, 2014). Combining the above mentioned with outlining, use of visual aids, and keeping healthy, I am confident that I will ace my tests and achieve excellence in the programmes I take.

• Conclusion

In writing this reflective diary, I got a rare opportunity of looking back and evaluating my thought process, learning experience, and identify areas that need improvement. By completing this diary, I have appreciated and understood the significance of of self-appraisal and quality work, as well reflect on the skills I acquired in this course. I have or purpose to continue improving my presentation and essay writing skills, polish my research competencies, and critically analyse and apply the existing knowledge into real life scenarios. Therefore, I am grateful and thrilled to have completed this reflective activity.