Mode of Research and Rationale for Approach - Essay Example

School: Topic: Reflective Learning Log and Action Plan Lecturer: Contents Learning ment 2 Introduction 2Learning that took place 3 Mode of research and rationale for approach 4 The use of theory in practice 5 How team work affected learning 5 Probable future change 6 Application of knowledge gained 7 Concluding remarks 8 Learning Statement Introduction Completing the module was a process rather than an event. What this means is that there were several disintegrated activities that were put together to form the successful completion of the module. Whiles putting all such activities together, what I came to realise was that I had actually gone through a learning experience. This reflective learning log is therefore dedicated to explaining the sought of things that were learning, how the learning took place, and how the learning is expected to shape my future professional practice. What is more, areas of improvement in my professional and personal life that were uncovered as a result of the learning that took place are comprehensively discussed. Learning that took place To sum it all, I have learned to be a better strategic planner and controller. In terms of strategic control, I have come to learn that control is necessary in ensuring that what the organisation plans to do remains intact and according to what is put on paper (Walsh & Deery, 2006 and Marr, 2012). Controlling is therefore a more difficult concept as it requires that the organisation will identify both internal and external positions (Grundy, 1993). The internal position of the company helps it to know what its financial and human resource strengths and weaknesses are. With these known, the company is rightly enlightened on the best programs and policies it can undertake which neither will be above its potentials or below it. Using a SWOT analysis helps companies to perform such internal audit (Van de Ven & Poole, 1995 and Carnall, 2003). External positions on the other hand help the company to know more about its competitors, customers and other external stakeholders such as policy makers and suppliers. Using theories such as Porter’s five forces helps companies to do such an external environmental scan easily (Fitz-Gibbon, 2010 and Worren, Ruddle & Moore, 2009). As far as soft skills are concerned, there are a number of these that were learned as a result of my exposure to the module, particularly with my involvement in the group work. Some of the soft skills are communication skills, time management and group working skills. In order to successfully plan and control Mobile Inc in a strategic manner, it was important that the group will work together through numerous market exercises and research. Whiles doing these, there were frequent interactions with group members and with members of the general public. It was as a result of these interactions that the communication and group working skills were developed. The group also had a time table that each person had to follow, therefore helping to develop my time management skills. Mode of research and rationale for approach My group and I were involved in very extensive primary data collection exercise, which can be pointed to as the means by which the learning that have been enumerated above came about. As part of the primary data collection, we were required to move from our desks and go unto the market to collect data from customers of mobile devices. Most of the data collected focused on customer buying behaviour and the factors that informed customer choices on the market. This means that most of the data we collected were qualitative data as they focused on human behaviour and the factors that influenced their behaviour (Christensen & Lærgreid, 2002). This was done to gain first had information that could be used in planning for the company and controlling its growth agenda (Kanter, Stein, & Jick, 1992). The use of theory in practice There were a number of theories that were learned ahead of the actual practice with Mobile Inc through the simulation. Some of these were Porter’s five forces, PEST analysis, SWOT analysis, Bowman’s strategy clock, and Porter’s generic strategies. All these theories were very useful in practice. This is because in terms of planning for marketing, logistics, taxation, and promotion, the theories were used to understand the internal position of the company as well as the company’s external environment. In effect, the theories became the basis on which the field practice was performed to perfection. A typical example of this was the fact that the theories helped in drawing the knowledge that each of the markets for Mobile Inc had its own dynamics which needed to be planned for differently (Katz & Kahn, 2008). How team work affected learning Belonging to a team served two major purposes and affected what I did in these two ways. First, it ensured that I had become a utility team player. I make reference to utility team player to imply a situation where belonging to the team ensured that I was able to do several things at the same time which I hardly had the ability to do. What is more, some hidden potentials in me were revealed as a result of the roles I was assigned to. Typical of these was leadership skills. Indeed the few moments I was handled leadership roles, I based on what I knew in theory about leadership styles to ensure that exhibited an open ended leadership that brought all members in the team onboard to share ideas and experiences. What is more, being in the team ensured there was both efficiency and effectiveness with the strategic planning and control which was performed for Mobile Inc. Efficiency was achieved because as a team, we were able to do more within very short time frame. This means that we utilised very little resources to achieve so much in terms of the market research that was performed. Effectiveness was also achieved because of the checks and balance that was in place. Most of the time, when one person is to engage in such a responsibility alone, effectiveness is hindered because there is hardly anyone who would make corrections, give assessment and offer criticisms. The group however served as a watchdog which ensured the maximum application of knowledge. Probable future change The first of these has to do with the preparation of forecasted ratios and projected group financial statements where the lowest marks were scored. These forecasted ratios and projected financial statements are very important in identifying the financial health of the organisation (Sias & Wyers, 2001). It is therefore expected that they would always be performed with maximum professionalism and accuracy. The next time round, I shall make use of several real world examples of the projected ratios and forecasts of companies similar to ours. This way, it will be possible to have models that give ideas about what pertains in the industry. It was also noticed that most of the strategic planning policies that were put in place were only suitable for the very short survival and growth of the organisation and not long term. Meanwhile, Osborne and Brown (2005) debated that the actual measure of growth for any organisation is in sustainability approaches (Somers, 2005). Going into the future, the next time round, the strategic planning will be more futuristic in nature. This will be done by inculcating more long term projections that are mainly compared to what other competitors are doing. This is to be done with the belief that it is only when competitors are planned for in a way that meets their strategies that a less intensity of competitive rivalry can be experienced (Olson & Tetrick, 1988 and Tidd, 2001). Application of knowledge gained There are a number of ways that what has been learned will be translated into future usage. This is largely because learning is a continuous process with transfer of learning possible at the managerial level. As far as the technical learning is concerned, it is expected that when given any managerial, financial or marketing portfolio, I will be able to undertake comprehensive planning for my outfit which will help in positioning the company for its larger external global competition. My soft skills will also ensure that I am able to relate with all people at my workplace very well, while ensuring that I become a team player in the development of the competences of all. Concluding remarks To conclude, it will be reiterated that the module has been a learning process that took place in a more systematic and well planned manner. The learning that took place focused on technical aspects of the module which involved such professional issues as planning, marketing, budgeting, promotion, and production. There were also soft skills such as communication skills, team working skills and time management. As a person, I am going to ensure that all these aspects of learning that happened will not fade into thin air any time soon. Rather, I am going to continue the learning process on a personal basis. This will be done by continuing to read around the topics, concepts and theories that were covered in the module. 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