22/10/2015 Seminars & Presentation

Todays session had two seminars and a presentation.

Having completed the presentation, as today was my responsibility, I felt there were significant areas for improvement. I did not prepare my speech enough so there was a clear lack of flow with a number of pauses which could have been easily avoided. As a result of this, I often read what was on the screen which in presenations is exceptionally dangerous to do. However, an element which was positive was the clear ability for someone to read the effect of the models in comparison to a component.

With continious learning in mind, I feel that things can only get better and taking into considering reflective points, I do believe future presentations will be much better.

: 25 Oct 2015 16:22 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

23/10/2015 Seminar & Presentation

Todays learning involved a seminar and a presentation on the comparison between excellence models. The morning session had learning outcomes of further enhancing the ability of being to take a question and mind map the ideas of the group. This enchancement will continue through my studies.

However I feel that today, my learning outcome was the most from my current time at Warwick. The time spent on the presentation caused our group to move away from the comparisons needing to be made. This was an error, however due to the philosophy of continuos learning, Paul was very helpful in furthering my understanding.

: 25 Oct 2015 16:10 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

21/10/2011 – Presentations on Measurements of Results & Organisational Learning

In todays session, my learning excelled through the feedback provided on presentations. It was clear to see the gap between undergraduate and masters in regards to expectations. Critical feedback points included focusing on "mechanisms" and "links" between logic that is displayed. Within presentations, there needs to be a focus on clear structure, a flow and a critical analysis of the topic area. The primary skills which I feel I learnt today will put me in good sted for future presentations.

: 25 Oct 2015 16:00 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

20/10/2015 – Chris Hakes session

The learning outcomes and analysis for todays session is immeasurable. Prior to Chris comming in, I had a general understanding of EFQM, however through the extensive experience of Chris, I found that my understanding and application of EFQM increased exponetially. Through this learning, I feel that I can look at an organisations current position, regardless of their size and have a diagnosable appraoch to suggesting how to improve. In todays world, I have found that opportunity lies with those who can bring true value. From this standpoint, I feel that my personal value has increased and feel confident for my steps after University.

: 25 Oct 2015 15:45 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

19/10/2015 – Meetings Meetings Meetings

General Overview

Todays session revolved around the experience of being involved with a meeting. We were given a case study of a hotel which was looking to hold events, this hotel had issues which needed to be resolved. Each member was allocated a role, with myself being the finance manager.

Analysis

It was interesting to see the difference between what actually took place and after analysing, just how different our meeting was in comparison to what one could call an "effective" meeting. Elements such as setting an agenda for the meeting was not carried out and having experienced this, I have come to realise how important it is for an agenda. Further to that, given that time is very important, a suggestion to split teams into sub-teams I thought would be an excellent strategy in future meetings that I partake in.

: 25 Oct 2015 14:20 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

16/10/2015 – Seminar Selection

General Overview

In today's session we chose topics for seminars which will take place the following week. There was a vote that took place as some members wanted two seminars whilst others wanted four. Questions were selected for the seminars and we were set the task of researching the topics with our groups.

Analysis

Although today had a morning session of choosing seminars, I felt much of the learning came from the group work. We realised that we had much work still to do for the presentations so the actual decision making of setting an agenda was where I believe my learning excelled. The course requires that you be strict with your timing so being able to create a schedule that fit everyone’s lives proved to be tough. We had to prioritise and organise, this skill I believe will only get improved as the year progresses.

: 22 Oct 2015 00:13 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

15/10/2015 – Mind Mapping

General Overview

In today's lecture our learning focused on the utilisation of mind maps, the methods and how its impact can significantly increase the natural flow to ones work. The learning was interactive with each of us building two mind maps with one being based on our personal lives. Critical points included ensuring the branches flowed as that provided the natural thought process which we as humans are comfortable with.

Analysis

I have found that in recent years my ability to collate ideas has at times been difficult, establishing a starting point was often hard to achieve as I had many ideas which I wanted to display. This session has brought confidence into my ability to tackle questions that may be given as a mind map displays a clear starting point with a clear flow and structure being provided.

: 21 Oct 2015 23:51 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

14/10/2015 – Time Management

General Overview

The schedule for today involved a lecture on time management centred on the question of "Do we manage time or manage ourselves?" There was an interactive engagement involving depicting our individual time schedules to then create a solution for becoming effective time leaders. Following this activity, we delved into the different generations of time management which orientated around having time management focused on goals or identifying roles followed by action.

Analysis

Previous to the lecture, I had some idea as to how to be effective in time management but always lacked the tools to really take my time management to a higher effectiveness. Being able to balance all the work required this year was a concern of mine. Previous to the masters, I had completed an undergraduate so the step up was an unknown variable. I could speculate the workload but until I was immersed into the programme, I feel I would not have a full image.. However having understood how to control my time and not let time control me, I feel more confident I will be able to work effectively this year.

: 18 Oct 2015 12:20 |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

13/10/2015 – Conquering ISO9000 & EFQM

General Overview

With today predominantly being allocated to team study, it was imperative that as a group we utilised the time available in an efficient manner. With this in mind, our group looked at the presentation question regarding ISO9000 & EFQM and the effectiveness of both in comparison to one another as well as from the perspective of audit vs self-assessment.

Analysis

The learning experience was excellent with much input coming from each member. Discussions were supported with a good learning environment allowing a free flow of ideas. Preparation was key for this session, each member brought their own individual research which was then allocated into a collective structure that would be the basis for the presentation. This allowed a deeper level of learning as I was exposed to ideas which was not considered in personal findings.

In the coming weeks and months, there will be a greater shift towards teamwork. This should provide an advancement to a foundation of skills which include communication and dealing with cultural barriers that can be an excellent employability skill in future endeavours.

: 13 Oct 2015 22:08 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

12/10/2015 – Creating Business Excellence

General Overview

Having arrived promptly on time, the class began by focusing on the utilisation of the learning environment coupled with a much deeper insight into the module of creating business excellence.

The lesson looked at the research of W.Edwards Deming who was the father of Total Quality Management (TQM). An in-depth discussion along with a short video displayed just how Deming revolutionized organisational performance with his most marvellous achievement being the Japanese and their increase in productivity, many of which have attempted to emulate.

Analysis

There has been much debate as to whether TQM works and the extent of its application. However one can be critical and suggest that although the theory seems to have strength, there are still barriers to its application, especially in organisations that have a significant hierarchical structure. At the end of the video, it was clear to see that Deming was distressed at the ignorance of the West. In the coming decades, it will be interesting to see just how successful this theory continues to be and if more organisations adopt its basic foundations.

: 12 Oct 2015 16:07 |  Comments (5) |  Close comments |  Report a problem