Personal Masters Learning and Development Portfolio - Essay Example

?Table of Contents Strategic Rationale, Masters Objectivity and Self Analysis 2 Strategic Analysis of Masters Abilities 4 Communications and Assessment One 8 Cornwall Residential and Working in Teams 11 Assessed Team Presentation 12 Developing Your Scholarship Abilities 13 Masters Learning Personal Reflections 14 References 16 Introduction The paper begings with a discussion of the strategic rationale and objectives of taking up my Masters degree. It speaks about the influences in taking up the course and my end goals for doing so. The paper proceeds with a strategic analysis of my competencies and abilities before and after taking up the Masters course. This entailed a review of my personal and interpersonal skills as a business individual and in relation to my future profession or career. Moreover, there is also a reflection on the prerequisites of achieving my goals in Mastership, in terms of both attitudes and skills. Another section presents a response to the tutor’s assessment or feedback, including what I would do differently and key improvement areas. A final section is a reflective statement about what I have learned from my attendance at Cornwall residential and how it contributed to my development. Strategic Rationale, Masters Objectivity and Self Analysis The question as to whether or not one must pursue a Master’s Degree is an issue that almost every graduate face. At times, even one who has experienced working in a certain company begins to question himself with respect to whether or not he or she must pursue a Master’s Degree. I have decided to pursue Masters Degree after my work experience in the Middle East Specialized Cables Company for six years. A number of processes were involved with respect to my decision. First, I went through a decision making process in order to ascertain my need for a master’s degree. I also consulted my family, most especially my wife with respect to my decision to pursue post-graduate studies. There were a number of reasons that convinced me to obtain a master’s degree. Generally, I choose to pursue a master’s degree in Management in order to aid me in gaining a thorough understanding of management from an operational, tactical and strategic perspective. In the same manner, my decision was also driven by my desire to resume my managerial career by improving my career prospects. Simply put, I believed that pursuing a maser’s degree will open a new horizon for me. I expect it to change my limited thoughts toward open end of ideas. I would like to learn more and gain professional skills to be able to progress along my chosen career path. I would also like to obtain a work in a leading position so that I can make a good contribution in the area of business management, especially once I return to my home country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Before deciding to pursue my master’s degree, I came across a number of articles on the World Wide Web which emphasized the need for a master’s degree. Pheifer’s (2009) article entitled “Why Pursue a Masters Degree” mentioned that interest in pursuing a master’s degree is relatively increasing. This is because the acquisition thereof enables people to achieve something more which would likewise result to the accomplishment of their goals. Of course, a number of sacrifices come along with the decision to pursue a Master’s degree – such as experiencing a major impact in one’s family ties, work and social life. Nevertheless, Pheifer (2009) elaborates that enrolling in a graduate school has a lot of merits. Aside from Pheifer’s (2009) article, I also came across ones which have been written by Faranda (n.d.) and Allison (2002). All these articles have shown me three important advantages that one may receive from pursuing a master’s degree. In sum, these advantages are as follows: (1) knowledge and perspective, (2) options and advancement and (3) societal development. In relation to knowledge and perspective, the authors previously mentioned pointed out that pursuing an advanced degree expands one’s base of theory, information and practical application. Simply put, it provides the people pursuing a post-graduate degree a better opportunity to expand their general understanding of a particular field. Pheiffer (2009), Faranda (n.d), Allison (2002), note that whilst education is often viewed as of paramount importance in terms of being a stepping stone to the achievement of something else, pursuing a higher level thereof is necessary to broaden the depth and breadth of one’s vocational knowledge. In relation to a more practical standpoint, another benefit is that an advanced degree is more likely to open up vocational doors that are not available to those with lower degrees. In fact, there are even some vocations and professions that require people to have advanced degrees; otherwise, they can not even apply for a certain job (Pheiffer 2009). In addition, there are other fields which give preference to the possession of a master’s degree in order to climb up the career ladder and achieve higher positions. This is generally related to the fact that a person with a Master’s degree is more likely to possess the necessary knowledge to occupy these leadership positions. The last benefit is related to the development of the entire society. It is true, according to Pheiffer (2009) that a number of people pursue post-graduate degrees in order to attain personal development. On the other hand, however, completely overlooked is the fact that this too has a positive impact on the society. Indeed, the societal development is more likely to be attained when more people are educated (Faranda n.d.). As I have previously stated, the abovementioned factors inspired me to pursue my master’s degree. I knew that it is through obtaining a post-graduate degree that my knowledge with respect to my area of expertise would improve. In addition thereto, I knew that upon obtaining the said degree, career paths would open for me. The opening up of new doors of opportunities with respect to career is of paramount importance. As I have also stated earlier, it is important for me to gain a stable career in management. I want to climb up the career ladder and occupy positions of high leadership in order to utilize what I have learned from school. I must also admit that it is also my goal to see an increase in my salary as a result of the attainment of higher education. I have set various standards related to performance results, target outcomes and achievement that I must attain while studying the different modules of my master’s degree; these include: good grades in my different subjects; being able to come up with important research papers and other studies related to my area of expertise; and graduating on time in order to begin my management career. Strategic Analysis of Masters Abilities In a nutshell, my rationale and main objective for pursuing my master’s degree is to allow new career opportunities to open up in order to facilitate my attainment of a higher leadership position to utilize what I have learned. I believe that I possess the appropriate skills and characteristics needed to pursue my master’s degree. I consider myself as a hardworking person, an outgoing individual who is enthusiastic and more than willing to learn new things about my field of expertise. Aside from this, my six year stint in the Middle East Specialized Cables Company garnered me an experience in the “real world.” This is because of the fact that I had an experience dealing with people with respect to their problems with our products or with the installation or maintenance as well as other things pertaining to our company. My dedication to this company has also paid off when I was rewarded with certificates and other financial incentives. In addition, I also believe that I have an advantage because of my possession of an International Driving License. I knew that I had to undergo through various preparations as the skills, qualities and other attributes that I possess are not enough to survive the rigors of Graduate School. Considering the fact that I have worked for a number of years and have relatively taken a break from my academic life, I believe that I must undergo through a number of steps to prepare for my higher education. For instance, I reviewed everything I have learned from my college days in order to prepare for my master’s degree. In the same manner, I have also researched more with respect to a master’s degree in management. I researched the website of my school in order to gain a better understanding of the curriculum. I also developed my skills with respect to referencing, knowing how important this is to graduate school. Finally, I also enrolled in classes which taught English as a Second Language to help me prepare for my Master’s Degree. I believe that the latter is important considering the fact that I came from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where our official language differs from that of the United Kingdom where I will be studying. I believe that it is in learning English as a foreign language that I have been prepared to make use of the same in the classroom, whether oral or written. The most important personal and interpersonal skills that I possess that I found essential in my studies is the fact that I am hardworking, outgoing, enthusiastic and have the willingness to learn. As I have mentioned earlier, I believe that these qualities are essential in order to help me survive the rigors of Graduate school. Similarly, I also think that the possession of these qualities would allow me to deal effectively with pressure while ensuring that I learn a lot from the different modules contained in the curriculum. I also believe that this would help me become the international business person that I dream of. While the aforementioned are necessary in the attainment of my degree, the same is nonetheless helpful in terms of ensuring a good performance in terms of my chosen career. It is without a doubt that learning does not just happen within the four corners of neither the classroom nor the school; rather, it also happens in real life, as we solve “real” problems. Thus, my willingness to learn and enthusiasm allows me to explore new avenues with respect to work. I also possess academic and intellectual Masters Knowledge which would help me meet my Mastership targets, results, outcomes and performance expectations. For instance, I possess satisfactory researching skills which would help me accomplish all the research papers that I must submit in order to complete my master’s degree. I also have extraordinary data collecting skills which would likewise help me in the accomplishment of my thesis. Through the years, I was also able to develop strict study habits that enable me to balance my time wisely thereby ensuring that I go through with all my reading assignments yet nevertheless, ensure that I fulfill my daily obligations effectively. To achieve a high standard of mastership, I believe that I could also utilize the knowledge I have gained during my six year stint in a company in Saudi Arabia. I believe that my experience therein has honed my skills in relation to dealing with people and their problems. Considering that I also want to pursue a higher degree in management, I believe the manner by which we were managed at work would help me understand processes and situations that I may need in relation to the career path that I have chosen. I believe that these experiences ensured the development of my personal maturity as well as my behaviour in the workplace. In 2009, Mamun and Mohamad conducted a research wherein they focused on the role that business schools play in the preparing the students for their role as managers of the workplace. In this study, it was shown that the changing business environment has encouraged business schools to put all necessary efforts to come with proper set of management skills of the challenges that corporations would face. In this regard, I expect that my studies would help me obtain the necessary skills and knowledge that are essential to the changing business environment. In the same manner, I hope that the school’s curriculum has been revised in order to cope with the needs of changing situations. I expect my skills, attitudes, knowledge and behaviour to improve upon the completion of my Master’s degree in management. For one, I expect that I would gain a better understanding of my chosen area of expertise. I also expect to gain better skills and attitudes with respect to answering problems related to management. I also believe that upon completion of my master’s degree, I would be able to behave properly in the workplace, most especially with respect to dealing with the people under my supervision. I would also like to obtain essential skills that contemporary managers are expected to possess. According to Duggan (2011), contemporary management entails a lot of planning, leading, organising and controlling in order to achieve the goals of the organisation. Also, managers must use resources effectively. Lastly, upon the completion of these sessions, I also expect my communication skills to improve given the fact that the possession thereof are necessary amongst contemporary managers. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that I still need to develop my skills and other qualities even after I obtain my master’s degree in graduation. I believe that this can be highly achieved once I am in the work place. While school and the modules therein help me understand the theoretical background concerning management, I know for a fact that it is through work that I will be able to experience how to handle problems related to the same most especially with respect to dealing with people under my control more effectively. I also believe that I have to work on the betterment of my analytical skills for this would surely help in furtherance of my career. Finally, I expect to learn how to interpret patterns and events in the workplace in order to become a more effective manager. McNamara (n.d.) mentions that the ability to interpret patterns and events in the workplace is an important skill for contemporary managers. The analysis of my personal skills, attitudes and behaviours has resulted to the development of my personal assessment or my self evaluation. Below is the personal model that I have developed with respect to the same. The rightmost column illustrates the personal skills, behaviours, attitudes and strengths that I possessed before starting my post-graduate studies. On the other hand, the middle column represents the skills that I have developed when I started my post-graduate studies. The arrow separating these two columns represents my journey in graduate school. Finally, the left most column represents those qualities and attributes that I have yet to possess given the fact that I have opened myself to my continuous betterment. For instance, I would want to develop my skills with respect to properly managing people by knowing how to handle problems more effectively and at the same time, to be able to interpret patterns and events in the workplace. The broken arrow represents the fact that I have yet to attain these qualities and attributes. Having presented my personal development related to self-evaluation, this section in turn, presents my plan with respect to personal skills, knowledge and development for the next three years, focusing on areas of improvement. In the next three years, as I have mentioned, I plan to focus on improving my skills, ensuring that the same are appropriate in the “real world,” meaning that I can utilize them effectively as I go through the various work-related problems in my chosen career path. Simply put, the skill that I would like to focus on in the next three years concerns the manner by which I handle management problems. In the same manner, I would also continue reading about everything that I have learned while enrolled in graduate school. I would subscribe to journals and other reading materials to keep up with the new researches and theories with respect to management, thus ensuring the continuous development of the said knowledge in my field. Communications and Assessment One In carrying out the assessment, my tutor mentioned that I have not really performed well with respect to the analysis of the topic given to me. Instead of analysing, I merely describe the topic at hand. Also, my tutor said that I do not have enough references by which I supported my first assessment. In this sense, I have learned from this particular assessment that I must develop my analytical skills in order to cover the topics in a more extensive manner. I have learned that post-graduate studies are accomplished not just by merely describing the topic but by ensuring that you have likewise analysed the same to show that one has developed a good understanding of the subject matter at hand. The aforesaid feedback has changed the way that I do research. It has encouraged me to always analyse facts and make sure that this analysis is properly incorporated into my research. Furthermore, I have also developed my research skills so that in the next assignment, I would be able to ground my research on sufficient amount of literature to serve as the background. Without a doubt, this assessment has inspired me to focus on my analytical skills as well as on my researching skills. Without a doubt, the development of one’s analytical skill is an important process of the learning process (Dawson 2005). It is through these analytical skills that one can learn how to hypothesize and theorize, which are essential in studying a post-graduate degree (Dawson 2005; King 2008). In relation to the abovementioned, I have devised my personal Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats plan with respect the completion of my master’s degree. Strengths: I would like to reiterate my discussion in the previous section wherein I pointed out the skills that I possess which I consider necessary for the completion of my master’s degree. My dedication in to whatever it is that I do is indeed one of my strengths for this helps me remain committed and accomplish what I have already started. My commitment to hard work is also important. I know for a fact that it is because of hard work that I will be able to accomplish my tasks on time and at the same time, ensure that it conforms to the standards set in place by my tutor. Furthermore, my enthusiasm and willingness to learn something new is also important to my studies. It opens up my mind to new knowledge with respect to my chosen career path thus enabling me to absorb every information more effectively. Weaknesses: My weaknesses, based on my tutor’s assessment lie on my inability to make use of my analytical skills and to provide sufficient support (through references) to my research. I consider these as my weaknesses as it is detrimental to the accomplishment of my researches an other requirements needed for the fulfillment of my master’s degree. Opportunities: A number of opportunities are available to me with respect to the improvement of the abovementioned weaknesses. I could improve my analytical skills by focusing on the same. In the same manner, I will make it a point that I would always analyse the topic given to me by sharing my own opinion regarding it based on the researches I have made. With respect to referencing, I will make use of the internet and the library in finding books, journals and other materials that would support my studies conceptually and theoretically. Threats: I think one of the most important threats that I am facing is my stressful schedule. The time I devote to school competes with my obligations to my family as well as my responsibility in my job. In this sense, it has been relatively difficult to do a lot of research in this context. Nevertheless, I plan to make appropriate changes in my schedule in order to solve this problem. Having discovered these, I am of the opinion that my short-term development needs must focus on the improvement of the aforesaid weaknesses. The article “Analytical Skills” (n.d.) provides the different steps that a person must undertake in order to develop his or her analytical skills. The said steps are as follows: (1) one must learn how to question; (2) analyse and evaluate – one must think about what he or she read and at the same time, to try to give his or her opinion which will aid in the performance of the task; (3) find solutions to problems – a person seeking to develop his or her own analytical skills must view the problems from a different point of view and at the same time, to try to find options to solve these problems; (5) become a philosophical learner; (6) imagine and speculate – the use of one’s imagination is necessary to ensure an in-depth observation; finally, (7) understand subjectivity and objectivity which will help one to make judgment and analyse what he or she read. Cornwall Residential and Working in Teams Last February 28, 2011, I, together with all the students in business school went on a business travel to the Eden project, South of England. The aim of this business trip is to measure our capacity in working as a team as we examine the environment in the Eden project which in turn became the basis of our assignment and presentation. The Eden Project in Cornwall, as we have discovered, was built on a disused clay mine which was transformed into a rich, global garden where people learn about nature and at the same time, get inspiration about the world around them. Usually, it offers a memorable day out in Cornwall. However, there are often times which it serves to create an unforgettable learning experience for students just like us. We have learned a lot from our visit, most especially with respect to caring for the environment. We discovered that there are many ways by which we could care for our environment and even a small little step in relation thereto is very important. It has helped me in the development of my skills needed for mastership as it exposed me to how data collection should be accomplished through immersion. Furthermore, this experience has also taught me the importance of teamwork. Indeed, works are significant sites of socialization and learning. It is in this particular environment that relationships are formed and grow while ensuring the wisdom and knowledge flourish (Pokras 2002; Furze 2003; Hardingham 1998; Jelphs and Dickinson 2008; West 2004). Working as a team enabled us to solve problems easily as compared with finding solutions thereto on our own. This is because through teamwork, a number of minds work together instead of just one. In the same manner, it is through teamwork that everyone learns rapidly with respect to the subject matter at hand. I believe that this experience in the Eden project in Cornwall helped me deal with people more effectively. I now began to fully understand the importance of the teams. As a future manager, I have now proven the fact that teamwork is essential to organisational success. In the same manner, I was also able to apply my studies in a sense that I was able to prove the claim of with respect to the instances on when to use teams. Indeed, teams must be used during the following instances: first, when the problem is relatively complex, uncertain and holds potential for conflict; second, when the problem requires cooperation and coordination from all the members of the group; third, when the problem and solution are more likely to result to various organisational consequences; fourth, when the deadlines are tight; and finally, when widespread acceptance and commitment are critical to successful implementation of a response to a situation, condition or issue. Moreover, it was through this experience in Cornwall that I was able to prove the characteristics of successful teams, as enumerated by previous researchers such as. The said characteristics are as follows: (1) positive interdependence, (2) individual accountability, (3) use of emotional intelligence, (4) promotive (face-to-face) interaction, and lastly, (5) group processing. I believe that what I have learned in Cornwall will help me in the team presentation in Week Eight. Having discovered and confirmed the elements of a successful team, my team must apply the same as we answer the questions of our assessors effectively. We must thus work hand in hand and allow our collective thoughts to function rather than merely relying on one to present the findings of the research. Assessed Team Presentation The findings that we have shall be presented in the team presentation scheduled on Week Eight. In view of the same, it is essential that essential techniques must be adopted in order to deliver an effective presentation related to the same. As I have earlier mentioned, our group should put our minds together in order to effectively analyse the topic given to use. To deliver the same professionally, we must deliver the presentation in appropriate manner. We must ensure that the audience maintains their interest with respect to the subject matter. We shall also provide visual materials to ensure that the audience can keep up with the pace of the presenters (Dowis 2000). However, we must make sure that we do not read every single word contained therein. In addition thereto, Jaffe (2006) reiterates the need to ensure that we retain the interest of our audience. The preceding paragraph mentioned the necessary things that presenters must take note of when delivering a speech. Nevertheless, there are necessary skills and qualities that we (my group mates and I should possess). First, I must have the oral skills. These oral skills would help us in the presentation, making sure that we deliver our parts in the right manner. Also, these are essential in order to ensure that the message that we are trying to convey is properly delivered to our audience (Jaffe 2006; Dowis 2000). The second set of skills needed are the presentation skills, we must be charismatic and interesting to capture the attention of our listeners as well as to prevent them from losing interest on our subject matter (Jaffe 2006; Dowis 2000). The possession of these communication skills is important in my training and education as a future manager. Various researchers such as Jones and George (2007) and Hynes (2004) all mentioned that contemporary managers must possess good communication skills as they would need these in communicating the goals of the organisation to the members of their staff. Developing your Academic and Scholarship Abilities The Masters Scholarship sessions, as discussed are designed in order to equip students with academic, analytical and linguistic skills and competences as well as an understanding of the expectations of employers and academics of a Masters graduate. This includes skills of analysis, reasoning, debate, evaluation and reflection as well as the codes of conduct and standards relevant to the subject and learning context. The guidance and advice given to me during the Masters Scholarship helped me understand the expectations that I must fulfill in conducting an academic research. The possession of analytical skills is necessary for this would enable me in coming up with a research that complies with the level of my post-graduate studies. It has also enabled me to discover the Masters standards that I need in order to complete my research assignments. For instance, I have learned that use of a number of literature is needed to provide the research with the necessary background. Proper referencing is also necessary in order to show where some parts of the study has been lifted. The Masters Learning Session has assisted me in my study of the other modules. These sessions helped me realise the necessary skills and qualities that I must possess in order to comprehend the subject matter. Furthermore, it also improved my skills with respect to arguing or debating as well as analysis thereby enabling me to share my thoughts and opinions with whatever it is that we are studying. Complying with every rule that tutors and professors is one of the steps that I will continue to undertake to avoid any forms of academic misconduct. Without a doubt, plagiarism is one of the most common forms of academic misconduct that concerns students pursuing master’s degree (Mawdsley 1994; Lathrop and Foss 2000; Clabaugh 2001; Sutherland-Smith 2008). Hence, I will see to it that all references used are cited in the most appropriate manner or in the manner required by the professor. Furthermore, I will not also claim any sentence therein as mine when in fact it came from another source. Masters Learning Personal Reflections During the module, I became aware of the areas of improvement wherein I should focus on in order to ensure my success as a student and as a future manager. It has enabled me to discover my true qualities and assess the current skills that I possess and how to utilize them more effectively. Furthermore, it has also enlightened me with respect to as mentioned, the areas that I must improve on. Personally, I can say that I have developed. Receiving constructive criticism with respect to my skills and knowledge has inspired me to strive for the betterment of myself rather than be contented with what I have. It has inspired me to continue learning and open my mind to facilitate the entry of information. Thus, I can say that my skills and knowledge have improved. My attitude has also changed. As I have mentioned, I am more enthusiastic now with respect to researches and the completion of the requirements necessary for the accomplishment of my studies. I became aware of my flaws and the skills that I must still possess in order to become an effective manager in the near future. My self-management abilities have changed positively as now, I am willing to revise my schedule to cope with my obligations. For instance, because of the demands of my post-graduate studies especially with respect to research, I will give more time to it. Nevertheless, I will still continue to strive in my job whilst ensuring that I fulfill my obligations to my family. The assessment increased my confidence. I am aware of the knowledge and skills that I possess which I would need in the fulfillment of my studies. In the same manner, I am also confident that I will be able to survive the rigors of graduate school. Also, I became aware of my capacity to continuously improve for the betterment of my career. Without a doubt, I am progressing towards Mastership with a set of abilities that would help me in my life and career after the university, as a future manager. Conclusion The current paper has effectively raised my awareness on my objectives in the pursuit of a Masters degree. It has likewise made me realise the knowledge, skills, and abilities which I have yet to master to be able to match or even exceed the expectations of my future career or profession. The reflections allowed me to put into context the learning experiences which were provided during learning, and actually cull insights from these experiences. Finally, the exercise has also permitted me to work out a plan for developing myself further in the personal and professional realms. References Allison, B. 2002. 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Academic Misconduct: Cheating and Plagiarism. US: National Organisation on Legal Problems of Education. McNamara, C. n.d. Brief Overview of Contemporary Theories in Mangement. US: Authenticity Consulting, LLc. Pokras, A. 2002. Working in Teams. UK: Cengage Learning. Sutherland-Smith, W. 2008. Plagiarism, the Internet and Student Learning: Improving Academic Integrity. UK: Taylor & Francis. West, M.A. 2004. Effective Teamwork: Practical Lessons from Organisational Research. UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Read More