Assessing Skills Development in Project Planning - Assignment Example

Reflective Report: Assessing Skills Development By Umera Your Academic Organisation Project Planning Project planning, in its broadest definition, involves a combination of competencies in time management, working effectively with a diverse set of team members, while also planning for personal aspirations, such as the development of career opportunities. I have learned throughout the course of this module that planning, as it relates to personal development, involves a rather proactive assessment of the environment, and making subsequent steps to utilise environmental factors to attain my desired goals. Most important to my personal development plan is the concept of time management, which by virtually any contemporary, professional viewpoint, is the most primary skill that an individual can learn (Nickels, McHugh & McHugh, 2005). Time management involves writing an initial set of personal goals, composing a realistic "to do" list, preparing a daily schedule, and taking a proactive approach to preparing, such as gathering necessary materials which will be needed to remain committed to my personal agenda. Ober (2006) offers an interesting perspective on time management, which is a theory that I have personally come to realise is a crucial aspect of remaining focused and concentrated on the task at hand: The selection of an appropriate environment. Ober suggests that the removal of distractions, be these co-workers, colleagues, or even recreational distractions (such as television or radio), should be removed from the environment. This was a lesson which I learned in sizeable proportions, especially during the process of carrying out and planning for my dissertation project. During my project, I maintained the difficult task of balancing ample volumes of literature, while also attempting to relate my research materials with a developed study. At a time where accuracy and professionalism were highly crucial to the success of this project, I learned the absolute value of selecting an environment in which full concentration can be established. Historically, prior to this module, I tended to indulge myself in environments which were quite distracting, opting for a more casual and comfortable approach to research. However, my perspective on time management today involves the pursuit of a quiet environment, and one in which I can avoid procrastination and really become engaged with my study materials. I believe that an effective learner can competently select the proper environment, map out their daily/weekly/monthly activities, and work to achieve the desired results of study and learning. Career planning and group working go virtually hand in hand, as modern business theories discuss the absolute value of being equipped, both mentally and professionally, to work and develop various team projects. Mathis & Jackson (2005) offer the advantages of team business projects to include improved productivity, more widespread learning, and autonomy in the workplace. My most productive contributions to my future and my education tend to involve autonomous work environments, with an emphasis on self-managed team philosophies. Though I believe that the university has given me the skills necessary to work with diverse team members, I have discovered through completing this module that people tend to enjoy the benefits which come with self-managed project management. Understanding the human desire for autonomy has brought me a sizeable step forward in relation to really maximising the impact that I have over others, especially as related to education and professionalism. Respectful communications and building a sense of camaraderie, while granting others the opportunity to offer insight and opinion, brings an individual one step closer to finding success in the job market. Project development and group working are a modern reality of education and the workplace, and one must be equipped to thrive within an environment where tensions are high, deadlines need to be met, and career opportunities (promotions) are possible through teamwork and producing a competent project output. I have learned, in summary, that successful project planning involves a comprehensive understanding of the human condition, creating an environment where focus and concentration can be maximised, and setting realistic targets to achieve. Researching Though this is only my educated assessment, I believe that researching is a primary cornerstone of finding success, regardless of the path that an individual wishes to take in life. For example, research builds improvements in medicine, locates new technologies, and even offers us a glimpse into the minds of generalised society. It is through research where we discover and reinvent theories, always in the pursuit of making a positive contribution to society. Secondary research involves pouring through a vast assortment of pre-existing research studies (and theoretical data) which point toward a conclusion about any particular subject. For instance, when carrying out the secondary research portion of my dissertation, I discovered that one of the main considerations of secondary research is ensuring the validity of the content of these materials, while also guaranteeing that the information is from a reliable source. Henslin (2003:132) offers a definition of validity, as the extent to which an operational definition measures what it was intended to measure. It is an important objective for any researcher who is combing through secondary source materials to identify whether the pre-existing research study developed a method which was designed appropriately for the final results attained in the research. Should the secondary source raise questions or arguments in relation to validity, the researcher must identify these potential discrepancies, and either build on the existing theories or discuss the sources questionable content. Failure to recognise issues of validity, specifically surrounding secondary source materials, I have learned through my own research objectives, can bring forth questions from others in the academic community regarding the reliability of your own developed study. Primary research, studies in which researchers develop a system by which to gather unique data, is the most important in determining reliability. Henslin offers the definition of reliability as the extent to which research produces consistent results. This was an important learning for me, as guaranteeing that my dissertations primary study produced a series of intended results added more credibility and even originality in my research design. Designing a primary study, however, involves a blend of skills mentioned previously in the process of project planning, and involves maintaining an understanding of the topic which has prompted the primary research. For instance, my dissertation involved an assessment of the workplace age policy and whether todays workers view such policies as a means to promote worker equality. With such an objective in mind, I determined that it was crucial to address the matter through a series of questionnaires, with each survey question carefully designed to offer the academic world a snapshot view of worker mentalities. Only a carefully designed (and relevant) study can provide society with a comprehensive piece of research by which to formulate further research studies or to enhance societys existing knowledge on the subject. It is my stern belief that somewhere in the scheme of personal development, either in career-related environments or academic studies, that the necessity to carry out primary studies competently will be a reality. Marketing companies utilise these studies routinely in an attempt to understand consumer behaviour (Boone & Kurtz, 2006), while psychologists undertake both secondary and primary research approaches to understand the human condition. Whether such studies take a qualitative or quantitative approach to building additional data on any given subject will be unique to each research objective, however I have learned in this module (and through recent experience) that much of our cultures understanding of the world around them is attributed to competent researchers who explored the issue and provided a quality study or series of studies. It is for this reason that I have discovered the absolute social value of performing a reliable, valid study to enhance the breadth of knowledge available to todays society. Reading There is an old saying which suggests that reading is fundamental, and I happen to agree with this rather philosophical statement. The process of reading is the primary basis by which we, as a society, learn and develop an understanding of the world around us. In many respects, the concepts previously mentioned in relation to secondary and primary research are involved in maintaining an adequate judgment regarding the materials being assessed. For instance, assessing a secondary contribution to knowledge involves determining the studys validity and reliability, which suggests the necessity for a competent judgment on behalf of the researcher. Does this secondary research source achieve its intended results? Does this research conflict with other primary studies and, if so, did the research design justify this discrepancy? Adequate judgment involves being knowledgeable enough about a particular subject to critically assess pre-existing research materials to determine whether its content maintained the ability to enhance my own study, or whether it could cause detriment to my intentions. However, judgment, as it pertains to reading, is definitely not only applicable for exploring and analysing secondary research materials, I have learned that it involves an unbiased perspective in which an individual looks at any given situation with an open mind and utilises personal competencies (developed through education) to assess what an author intended to discuss and make competent judgments based on the authors style, tone, and professional reputation. My personal development plan involves the receipt of additional education, while also exploring the many career opportunities available to me in my field of study. Ober (2006) provides a work entitled Contemporary Business Communication which discusses the contemporary analysis of the written work, specifically tailored for the professional career environment. In the work, Ober suggests concepts such as maintaining an appropriate tone of voice in the written document, while also offering tips by which to become an effective workplace facilitator. Maintaining an unbiased judgment, in the modern workplace, is the cornerstone of a competent and successful businessperson (Ober). I felt it appropriate to link judgment with career aspirations, as I believe they are both highly congruent. Subordinate workers or professional colleagues appreciate an individual who can assess the situation, create a competent plan of action (judgment), and maintain the ability to summarise the decision using a method that is clearly understandable and relevant to the situation. Nickels et al (2005) indicate that an unsuccessful professional fails to provide competent judgment, thus experiencing a diminishing level of respect from subordinates and colleagues. I believe that a competent judgment, especially in the modern world where technological advances have streamlined business communications to the point where e-mail is the appropriate forum for inter-office discussion (Ober), is the key by which a professional assesses anothers work and provides either critical feedback or positive reinforcement. From education to career development, reading is fundamental. Academic Writing Writing a quality and competent document maintains the ability to provide both a positive reputation for a researcher as well as providing a unique contribution to the academic-minded individual. Style, tone, and professionalism, in the written work, involve an understanding of the intended audience to whom the work is distributed. Rosa & Eschholz (2005:16) offer that the most competent writers are able to empathise with their reading audience, always trying to see things as their readers might. This is an appropriate statement whether the writing is in the form of a research essay, dissertation, or academic report. Audience analysis, I have learned both in the classroom and through recent personal experience, is the foundation for the mechanics behind how a document is constructed and presented. Understanding the receiver of your intended message brings the researcher/student one step forward in crafting an appropriate written report. I also learned the absolute value of the formal outline, utilising various editing tools to enhance the written work and the utilisation of a post-document outline to ensure that the report maintains an acceptable structure and that it maintains a logical flow from idea to idea, concept to concept. Revision, in my opinion, is one of the strongest skill-sets that a student should adopt, as it not only improves the readability of the document, but also provides the student with a tool by which to improve their overall writing capabilities. For instance, during the course of completing my dissertation, it was crucial that I designed the grammar and basic mechanics of the work so as to be appropriate for the layperson, as well as academic facilitators and business-minded readers hoping to utilise my work for their own secondary study. I have learned that the strength of a quality research project depends on the competence of a well-constructed literature review (secondary tools), which requires an unbiased perspective, competent judgment, and the ability to critically analyse any given piece of professional literature. Referencing anothers work, I have discovered, is a very necessary, however complicated process. Issues of plagiarism really made an impact on me during my research project, as I understand the value of giving credit to others who were able to provide meticulously-constructed research studies, rather than blatantly using anothers work to justify my own. For instance, having completed a sizeable dissertation, which was a significant investment on my behalf, I understand why referencing is such a monumental issue in the academic writing process. In my future endeavours, whether involving the receipt of additional education or in my chosen career path, giving credit to those who laboured to provide a unique contribution to academics not only satisfies university demands, but builds the potential for colleague interaction, debate, and a solid reputation as a competent researcher able to provide originality in any given field of study. Reverting back to critical analysis, I believe, today, that as a researcher becomes more proficient and adept as a research professional, the knowledge and learning that the university provides builds the ability to assess another authors work, and highlight this assessment with a judicious blend of writings. For instance, assume that I were to compose a research essay on construction management, intending to evaluate the effectiveness of safety gear on job sites. My role as a competent researcher is to not only explore various secondary source materials on the subject, but also to reflect the methods by which I have interpreted and analysed the pre-existing work, whilst also providing information highlighting whether the particular study is competent and relevant, but with a professional tone. Whether pursuing a career in the academic community or in general society, providing meaningful feedback regarding the authorship of any written work is not only a professional courtesy granted to colleagues, but also indicates the level to which the researcher fully understands the nature of what they are assessing. Oral and Non Verbal Skills One need only review the available literature involving various professional viewpoints regarding body language and other non-verbal attributes to realise how critically important these skills are in relation to debating, interviewing, or even in casual conversation. Futrell (2006) offers a reflection on non-verbal mechanics, suggesting that different body language and gesturing can be signs of agreement or caution signals, indicating a broad disagreement with a persons perspective. For instance, I have discovered that crossing the arms in the midst of a discussion tends to illustrate a defiant attitude or one of hardened disagreement. Understanding the mechanics behind non-verbal communication, essentially, creates the ability to not only hear the words which are being said, but also recognise through a variety of non-verbal cues whether your receiving audience is satisfied or dissatisfied with your position. The university teachings during this module session included tips for debating a position regarding various situations, which the classroom and experience has taught me that life tends to breed debate, and a well-rounded individual must be prepared to defend their viewpoint. Argumentation, and the effective usage of supporting evidence, are key methods to discussing an issue, ironing out some sort of agreement between multiple parties, and then closing the issue and moving forward with a solid plan of action. I have come to learn that being able to provide an argument, based on supporting data, brings an individual one step closer to becoming a competent lecturer who is adequately equipped to provide students with a thoughtful environment which is open to debating various opinions. I believe that when students are given the tools necessary to competently debate any side of an issue, they are given the motivation to speak openly, thus becoming more interactive in the classroom; likely creating a more powerful learning experience. My personal development plan, prior to this module, would not have considered the importance of building a strong argument and supporting it, however with my credentials in education, as well as my own career aspirations, I am realising that building a reputation as a knowledgeable individual (and one that is respected by colleagues) basically involves justifying your position with solid supporting evidence. Thoughtful interpretations of any given situation, with the tools to prove your viewpoint, are invaluable tools for building colleague camaraderie. Interviewing skills, from basic theory to more advanced tips for landing a quality career position, are skills that the university has provided in abundance. Gomez-Mejia, Balkin & Cardy (2005) offer that most business professionals who fail in career aspirations do not fail because they lack motivation, rather they fail because they lack basic people skills. In essence, the authors offer that developing relationships should be the primary goal to landing a quality career. During the interview process, I have learned about the value of projecting self-confidence, presenting a friendly and cooperative attitude, and also building a positive first impression through the adornment of professional attire and a neatly-groomed appearance. This may appear to be rather common sense issues, however the entire professional world is built around maintaining a professional composure, especially if an individuals ambitions are to excel in the workplace. I believe that I can apply the lessons learned about the interview process throughout most of my impending career path, as part of my personal development plan. I have learned that advancement in the workplace is not necessarily due to knowledge of the field, but involves a broad skill-set which entails professional courtesy, visual professionalism, and the ability to sell yourself and your ideas with stern conviction. Further, Larrivee (2000:297) discusses the necessity for teachers to become the perpetual problem solver, with the teacher moulding the classroom to be a laboratory for purposeful experimentation. The author suggests that a variety of unique insights and viewpoints (from both the instructor and the student as well) crates a learning environment in which thoughtful perspectives challenge and debate existing practices and procedures. I believe that competent lecturers are able to provide this type of environment to students, promoting a unique learning environment which applauds originality of student thought, projected by a competent oral presentation and lecture. The oral skills developed throughout this session have provided me with a similar mindset, believing that through words I can positively impact how students perceive the world and the theories which are taught by various curriculum. Skills with IT Information technology, from typing, to e-mail presentation, to basic Internet skills are absolutely fundamental learnings for any individual in modern society. My experience at the university, thus far, has strengthened my typing speed, dexterity, and accuracy, while also keeping me quite familiar with web-based applications. For instance, I can successfully produce a quality research document via an entire electronic system, use this system to make any necessary corrections, and finally distribute a competent project. I do not intend to go into significant detail about my experiences with information technology, rather I would like to discuss how I can apply these learnings to my future professional and personal aspirations. I realise that computer technology is the future of academics and the workplace, therefore it is my intention to further strengthen these skills so as to provide comprehensive learning to others who may be somewhat weak in understanding modern information technology. I would most certainly reaffirm to any upcoming student to address these issues immediately after enrolling in the university so as to enhance their total academic experience. In many situations, instructors are reachable in real-time by e-mail after the classroom session has ended, thus making e-mail a critical tool for learning. It is a basic assumption that a student who cannot type adequately or utilise the personal computer effectively will struggle monumentally with the coursework demands expected by the university. As technology evolves, becoming more complicated each year, it is imperative that students and adults alike continue to develop their IT skills in order to maximise career or education. Bibliography Boone, W. & Kurtz, D. (2006). Contemporary Marketing. 12th ed. Thomson South Western. United Kingdom. Futrell, Charles M. (2006). ABCs of Relationship Selling through Service. 9th ed. McGraw Hill Irwin. London. Gomez-Mejia, L., Balkin, D. & Cardy, R. (2005). Management: People, Performance Change. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill Irwin. London. Henslin, James M. (2003). Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach. 6th ed. A & B Publishing. Larrivee, B. (2000). Unknown. Mathis, R. & Jackson, J. (2005). Human Resource Management. 10th ed. Thomson South-Western. United Kingdom. Nickels, W., McHugh, J. & McHugh, S. (2005). Understanding Business. 7th ed. McGraw Hill Irwin, London. Ober, Scot. (2006). Contemporary Business Communication. 6th ed. Houghton Mifflin Company. Rosa, A. & Escholz, P. (2005). The Writers Brief Handbook. 5th ed. Pearson Longman. London. Appendix A: Personal Development Plan Stage 1: Month One - Post-Graduation Review all academics-related projects associated with my desired field: Human Resources Management. This will afford me the opportunity to "brush up" on my university learning over several modules. In preparation for the formal interview, these initial reviews will reinforce specific concepts which are relevant to the HR function. Update, polish and post my resume, including my newfound academic credentials. Prepare for potential career interviews Stage 2: Month 2-4 Post a personal agenda, measuring my goals in relation to my job search expectations, polishing my skills in relation to the HR function, and setting daily goals by which to develop my skill set provided by the university. Develop an appropriate HR curriculum with which to impress potential career professionals, preparing a system based on modern theory which identifies the role of contemporary HR and interaction with subordinate employees. Stage 3: Maximising Potential Continue working toward goals of landing a quality HR position with a reputable firm. Based on historical achievements with interview, assuming that a position has been landed in Stage 2, developing, reinventing, and implementing various strategic concepts on my place of business to measure effectiveness and get noticed. Read More