Academic Skills Portfolio for ACSK4001 | Desklib

The Academic Skills Portfolio for ACSK4001 is a comprehensive guide to developing core academic skills. It includes tasks such as self-evaluation, personal SWOT analysis, structuring your writing, presenting and analyzing data, and more. The portfolio is designed to help students reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies for improvement. It also includes written tasks related to academic writing and reflective writing. The deadline for uploading the online portfolio is Thursday 21st December by 2pm.

Autumn 17
Academic Skills Portfolio (ACSK4001)
Name: Student Number:
Lecturer name:
Tutor name:
Degree studied:
This is your Academic Skills ONLINE Portfolio. Please save a copy on your computer and back it up regularly
(e.g. by saving it on your computer / in the cloud (e.g. Google Drive) / emailing it to yourself. You will receive a
printed copy which you should bring to all lectures and tutorials. However, at the end of the course, you need
to submit this electronic copy. Please refer to suggested word counts for each task included within this
portfolio.
The deadline for uploading the online portfolio is: Thursday 21st December
by 2pm
Week Table of Contents Page Learning
Assessed Learning Outcomes:
 Show evidence of understanding core components of academic literacy/skills.
 Apply critical thought to a range of tasks, and do so with a minimum of external guidance in
particular situations.
 To reflect, analyse and discuss strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities personally and
academically.
 Use appropriate technologies to facilitate the completion of self-analysis/reflection.

Outcome
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence
(These tasks will be drafted in class and are designed to inform the written tasks in section 1; Suggested word
counts are included in brackets where appropriate.)
1 Self-evaluation checklist 3 LO 3 & 4
1 Personal SWOT analysis (suggested word count: 200 words) 4 LO 3 & 4
2 Structuring your writing (including examples and evidence) 6 LO 1 & 2
3 Quantitative data analysis (suggested word count: 300 words) 7-8 LO 1 & 2
4 Evaluating sources and referencing (suggested word count 150 words) 9 LO 1 & 2
5 Synthesising and in-text citations (suggested word count: 250 words) 10 LO 1 & 2
7 Presenting your assignment (include screen shot) 11 LO 1
8 Editing and proof reading your portfolio: using the marking criteria to
get a first!
12-13 LO 1 & 3
9 Post-presentation reflection 14 LO 3 & 4
10 End of course self-evaluation checklist 15 LO 3 & 4
10 Personal development plan (PDP) (suggested word count: ) 16 LO 3 & 4
Section 2: Written Tasks
(These written tasks should be developed throughout the semester but completed in weeks 9-11)
1-10 Academic writing [degree-specific focus related to The UK’s exit from
The European Union] (900 words)
17-18 LO1
9 & 10 Reflective writing: summary (300 words) 19 LO 3& 4
Writing word count: Academic writing (900 words), Reflective writing (300 words) and a minimum of 600
words in total on the other tasks
(+/- 10%)
SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 1: self-evaluation checklist
Below is a list of the skills you will need during your university and professional career. Tick( )the appropriate✓
box for each skill, according to how well you think you can do this.
Skills Do not
know
about this
Find this
difficult/
can’t do
Can
partially do
Can do this
well
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this this
Looking for information
Identify which books/journals/websites to use ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Select relevant parts of a text ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Evaluate sources ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Using sources
Acknowledge sources of information ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Synthesize information from more than one source ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Write a reference list correctly ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Avoid plagiarism ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Planning/ writing
Brainstorm ideas ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Plan written work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Link ideas effectively ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Paraphrase & summarise ideas ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Write an introduction ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Write a conclusion ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Critically edit written work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Independent study
Work independently (without lecturers) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Work as part of a (study) group ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Oral presentation
Give a presentation on my work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Brainstorm ideas with peers ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
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Discuss written work in a tutorial ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Deal effectively with questions ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
IT
Access the internet ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Use search engines ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Create word documents ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Use PowerPoint ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
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SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 1: Personal SWOT analysis
Watch this video: HYPERLINK
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBOtnyt7BP4"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBOtnyt7BP4
In-class activity: In pairs conduct interviews to create a personal SWOT analysis.
Internal
STRENGTHS
[Things within my control]
WEAKNESSES
[Personal barriers; things stopping me, but still within my control]
1. Ability to be creative and innovative which
enable me to have an upper hand in my field.
1. Being an open-minded, it’s my weakness being
unable to change direction once I have set my mind
on achieving a goal.
2. Ability to be open minded which has enabled me to be
effective and efficient.
2. I am overcommitted to pursuing my dreams, though being
committed is a good thing, the time it becomes a stumbling block
if a mistake is done.
3. Ability to adapt to the new environment through being
open to ideas that are new.
3. Poor leadership skills, I find it hard to improve my leadership
skills.
4 Ability to be a creative thinker and critical at analysing
problems.
4. Most of the times I struggle to make decisions very fast.
External
OPPORTUNITIES
[People, resources, opportunities]
THREATS
[Things outside of my control]
1. If I can do away with my leadership weakness, there will
be immense opportunities that I can explore.
1. Competition from colleagues having similar skills.
2. My study is an opportunity that I am undertaking at the
moment.it presents an opportunity of taking advantage of it
through performing well or missing by performing poorly.
2. Many obstacles to finish my education process with great
results.
3. Opportunity to increase my network connection through
social networking.
3. The rate at which invocation in technology is taking place,
making many knowledge obsolete.
4. I have an opportunity to join clubs at school and get
involved in activities that are rewarding through gaining of
skills.
4. The changing demand for employees in my field of
specialization.
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Discuss: how are you going to overcome your weaknesses and minimise the threats? (approx 100 words)
Overcoming my weakness sometimes seems like an impossible step to take and the only option left for me is
being in the comfort of the weakness. Being aware of my weakness has been the first step in helping me be
aware of what is likely to happen and what is no likely to happen. Through this, it saves time on having
unrealistic thoughts. I can only minimise my threats is by staying unwavering in my education so as to obtain
numerous skills and perform well in my studies. With this, I can be able to keep up with the high demand for
qualified professionals.
SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 2: Structuring your writing
During your lecture and tutorial you will learn how to group ideas and develop paragraphs to give structure to
your academic writing. You can use the outline below as a model, although others will be discussed in your
lectures and tutorials.
Title:
1.0 An introduction (150 words) [use evidence/ research throughout]
 What is your question about? (give the background to your topic)
 Include some detail on the topic (narrow your focus; what exactly are you focusing on?) Who are the
key ideas/ people involved/ organisations etc.?)
 What will your report show? Be specific [you should write this section last]
2.0 Discussion point 1: ……………………………… (300 words) [Use evidence/ research throughout]:
 Identify one point from your area of focus and say why it is a key issue.
 Describe how leaving the EU will impact on this
 What are the opportunities it could create?
 What are the possible problems?
 What can you conclude from this? What are the implications?
3.0 Discussion point 2: ……………………………… (300 words) [Use evidence/ research throughout]:
 Identify another point from your area of focus and say why it is a key issue.
 Describe how leaving the EU will impact on this
 What are the opportunities it could create?
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 What are the possible problems?
 What can you conclude from this? What are the implications?
4.0 Conclusion (150 words) [refer back to key evidence/ research]
 Give a summary of your key points from 2 & 3
 Include a summary of your key conclusions from both 2 & 3
 What would you recommend needs to happen now?
SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 2: Structuring your writing
Write a detailed plan here for your report or essay – showing what information you are planning to put in each
section. Remember as you do more research this plan might change so keep it up to date to help you to write a
well-structured report or essay. You can find the subject specific topics in the assessment section of the GSM
Learn academic skills page.
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Introduction
On 23 rd June 2016 will be a date that will ever remain to the United Kingdom history. The United
Kingdom was given the choice of either leaving the European Union or staying.
Discussion one
One of the implications of the United Kingdom decision to leave the European Union was on the
recruitment of the workers.
Discussion two
The second implication of United Kingdom leaving European Union is the high demand for labour and
shortage in the supply of labour.
SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 3: Presenting and analysing data
Presenting data
Cut and paste the graph you discussed in the tutorial here. You can find it on the Week 3 Academic
Skills page on GSM Learn. Remember to write a full Harvard or OSCOLA reference for it.
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PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 3: Written analysis of Data
Analysing data
Based on the graph looked at in the tutorial, first discuss, and then plan how to write an analytical
paragraph about your graph. You might want to include the following information:
1. A description your data (What is it? Where does it come from? What area is it focussing on?):
2. A summary on what the data shows in general
3. One or two areas of the data looked at in detail and an explanation of why you think they are
significant
4. The important trends and differences/comparisons in the areas you have chosen
5. Possible explanations for what the data is showing (remember to reference wider research to
back your ideas up)
6. A recommendation for further action that could arise from this data.
Individually write your data analysis as a paragraph (approx. 300 words). Remember to refer to the
graph/chart using correct OSCOLA or Harvard style in-text citation.
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The graph displays the information regarding the impact that the UK has on its decision upon the
leaving the European Union. The graph seeks to analyse the impact if it is a positive impact, negative
impact or no impact at all.
The graph shows that the greater part of the graph the leaving of the European makes no difference
at all. The decision makes little difference on the positive impact on leaving the European Union.
According to the graph, it is evident that the decision to leave the European Union has a negative
impact. The negative impact is due to the labour that is presumed to be enjoyed by the nations that
are among the union.
It is evident that the UK decision to leave the European Union has a different impact. The positive
impact on the global and Commonwealth countries is higher as compared to the positive impact on
the European Union. The largest part is that there is no difference opinion vote that occupies the
largest.
The graph data represent a survey the people opinion on its decision to leave the European Union.
The graph has segmented the people decide to the impact that the separation from the union will
have in the United Kingdom. The decision has been divided into positive impact, negative impact and
no impact at all.
The United Kingdom decision to leave the union has numerous shortcoming that the company goes
through. That includes the suffering from the labour advantage that was being gained through being
part of the union. It is clear that the UK suffering from the lack of skills in certain fields.
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PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 4: Evaluating sources & critically engaging with texts
In your study groups, evaluate 3 different text from your reading list, or ones you have found. During class your
lecturer will give you questions to guide you through this process. You can find these texts on the Week 4
Academic Skills GSM Learn page.
Resource type:
(book, journal,
video)
& citation/reference
Text A Text B Text C
Authority Determines the source of the
author.
Determine the author of
the book.
Determine the website
author.
Currency Date of publication Book publication date. Website publication
date.
Content The relevance of the
information to the audience.
The relevance of the
information.
Information relevance to
the audience.
Accuracy Reliability, correctness and
trustworthy of the content.
The correctness and
reliability of information.
The correctness and
information reliability .
Audience The targeted recipient of the
message.
The information
recipient.
The information
recipient.
Further notes/
comments
To determine the reason as
to why information exist.
Comments on relevance
of the book information.
Testimonial on relevance
of the information
posted on the website.
PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
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Week 5: Synthesising
In groups of 2 or 3: you are going to discuss the similarities and differences of different texts. You each need to
read and understand a text, tell your group about it, and make notes.
Write (in note form) the key ideas for the 3 different texts:
Text A:
In-text citation or OSCOLA footnote (Law):
Key ideas:
Authors name.
Topic of the article.
Publication details.
Text B:
In-text citation or OSCOLA footnote (Law):
Key ideas:
Authors name.
Topic of the article.
Publication details.
Text C:
In-text citation or OSCOLA footnote (Law):
Key ideas:
Authors name.
Topic of the article.
Publication details.
Individually: write up a paragraph which synthesises (combines) the ideas you talked about with your study
group. Remember to include in-text citationsor OSCOLA footnote (Law) and link your ideas using linking
words! (Suggested word count: 200 words).
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The intext citation remains constant and across a various source of journals, books, and website.
Book referencing in Harvard in a little different. The title of the book is italicised, the first letter of the word is
capitalized. However citing an edited book is a little bit different since instead of using the author name, the
editor name is used followed by the edited book edition and the year of publication. This is done with an aim
of distinguishing the editor from the initial author of the book. When citing the journal article, the title of the
article is placed within a single quotation. Citing a newspaper is a little different from citing the journal article.
Instead of using the volume and number issue, the edition and the publication dates are needed.
PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 7: Presenting your assignment
At university, you are often asked to present your research. In week 9 you will deliver a short 10-minute
presentation (7 minutes delivery + 3 minutes for Qs) in class to a small group. You should base your
presentation on one key point (one main section/paragraph) from your assignment using the following
structure for guidance with suggested timings:
 Title page: including your name and title
 Give a very brief overview of what your 7-minute presentation will cover (30 secs)
 Introduction: Identify one point from your assignment and say why it is a key point (1minute)
 Briefly describe how leaving the EU will impact on this (1 min 30s)
 What is one potential opportunity it could create? (1 min 30s)
 What is one possible problem? ( 1min 30s)
 What can you conclude from this? What are the implications/ your recommendations?
(1min)
 You should refer to evidence/ research throughout your presentation.
 Be prepared to answer questions (3 mins) at the end of your presentation.
Provide evidence here to show that you have planned your presentation. This could take the form of
a detailed plan or PowerPoint slides.
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PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 8: Editing and proof reading your portfolio: using the marking criteria to understand how to get a first!
Good evidence Some evidence Insufficient
evidence
Knowledge and understanding of the subject
A. Demonstrates overall understanding of core
academic skills, evidenced both with the
portfolio tasks and academic writing tasks.
Good evidence
B. Demonstrates independent reading and
research. Good evidence
C. Has an understanding of conducting primary
research (appropriate to level 4). Good evidence
D. Has a convincing introduction, arguments/
discussion and conclusion for the written
assignment.
Good evidence
E. Demonstrates an understanding of the subject
material related to programme of study. Good evidence
Cognitive/ Intellectual skills
F. Clear and logical argument/ discussion and
structure. Good evidence
G. Shows evidence of applying critical thought to a
range of tasks. Good evidence
H. Has backed up discussion/ arguments with
evidence. Good evidence
I. Has evidence of some analysis and evaluation
(appropriate to level 4). Good evidence
Graduate skills for Life and employment.
J. Insightful reflection on own strengths and
weaknesses. Good evidence
K. Effective written communication skills (e.g. have
they written in an appropriate academic style?)
is the report/essay format successful? Is the
reflective writing appropriately written? Is it
Good evidence
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professional?
L. Effective visual presentation. Good evidence
Strengths:
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Type 3 short bullet points here:
 Demonstration of independent research skills.
 Effective written communication skills.
 Evidence of analysis research.
Areas of improvement:
Type 3 short bullet points here:
 Effective visual presentation.
 Improvement on strength and weakness reflection.
 Understanding the materials in relation to the topic.
PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 9: Post-presentation reflection
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At University and work you’ll often be asked to provide feedback, and reflect on your performance and that of
your peers and colleagues. Using the table below, write notes about your presentation. You should include any
points of interest in your reflective writing task in section 1.
Your groups’ comment
Content
(How clear, complete and informative
was the presentation?)
The content is relevant to the area of study.
Audience Engagement
(How enjoyable / interesting did the
audience find it?)
The audience could easily understand the message.
Organisation
(How well-structured was it? How
well did the visuals support it?)
The organisation structure was well structured.
Professionalism
(How slick and professional was it?)
The professionalism used was outstanding.
Your reflection
Content
(How clear, complete and informative
was the presentation?)
The content of the information was reliable, trustworthy and
relevant.
Audience Engagement
(How enjoyable / interesting did the
audience find it?)
The audience concentration was very high and they could connect
with the presentation.
Organisation
(How well-structured was it? How
well did the visuals support it?)
The organisation structure was well.
Professionalism
(How slick and professional was it?)
The professionalism of the presentation was outstanding.
Action Points
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(What could you do better in future presentations?)
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Week 10: self-evaluation checklist
You have reached the end of the course. Tick the appropriate box for each skill, according to how well you
think you can do this now. Has anything changed? This should help inform your reflective summary.
Skills Do not
know
about this
Find this
difficult/
can’t do this
Can partially
do this
Can do this
well
Looking for information
Identify which books/journals/websites to use ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Select relevant parts of a text ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Evaluate sources ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Using sources
Acknowledge sources of information ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Synthesize information from more than one source ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Write a reference list correctly ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Avoid plagiarism ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Planning/ writing
Brainstorm ideas ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Plan written work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Link ideas effectively ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Paraphrase & summarise ideas ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Write an introduction ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Write a conclusion ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Critically edit written work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Independent study
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Work independently (without lecturers) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Work as part of a (study) group ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Oral presentation
Give a presentation on my work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Brainstorm ideas with peers ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Discuss written work in a tutorial ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Deal effectively with questions ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
IT
Access the internet ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Use search engines ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Create word documents ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
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PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 10: Personal development plan (PDP) Specific- Measurable- Achievable- Realistic- Timescale- (SMART)
During your university and professional career you will be asked to write a PDP, or set your own objectives. This PDP (below) should include goals for the
development of your Academic skills after the completion of the module. Be specific when setting your goals and how you will achieve and measure them (use
SMART).
Week Goal Action Success criteria Completed
when by?
E.G To improve my ability to write in an academic style To record useful academic vocabulary when
reading academic texts. To use appropriate
language when I write an assignment
Feedback from peers and lecturers. April 2017
1. To improve my communication skills. To communicate verbally and through written
communication with my peers.
Colleagues feedback May 2017
2. To improve my research in-depth. Conduct various researches on different
topics.
Lectures feedback on assignment I
submit to lecturers.
June 2017
3. To improve my ability to do in text citation in the
different academic style.
Go through various guides on citation of
source of information.
Lectures feedback on assignment I
submit to lecturers July 2017
4. Apply critical thinking in various study research. Write reports and essay on various topic that
require critical thinking.
Lectures feedback on assignment I
submit to lecturers
October r2017
5. Improve my visual presentation. Do more practice on visual presentation? Colleague’s feedback. December
2017
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SECTION 2: ACADEMIC WRITING
Report (all students except law)
Write your report here. You can find your specific question related to your subject area on the Academic Skills
page on GSM Learn in the assessment section.
Please us a word document (.doc) for this not a PDF or screenshot.
Remember your report must include the following:
1. A title
2. A clear subject related focus
3. Clear sections, including an introduction, discussion of one or two points and a conclusion
4. A clear, well written and academic writing style
5. Features of report writing such as headings
6. Correct Harvard style in-text citation
7. A correct Harvard style reference list
Title: Identify and discuss the possible impact of the referendum result which took place on
23rdJune 2016.
Introduction
On 23 rd June 2016 will be a date that will ever remain to the United Kingdom history. The United
Kingdom was given the choice of either leaving the European Union or staying. The United Kingdom
citizen made a decision of reverting back the decision once made to join the European Union, to
leaving the union (Allen, 2005). This was immediate fallout. This had various impact on leaders, since
some leaders such as Jeremy Corbyn, who was in support of the continued membership of the country
to the union, received a vote of no confidence in his leadership. This led to two-thirds of his shadow
cabinet resigning. The reaction in Europe was turned to disappointment, of having to deal with the
impact of United Kingdom leaving on the economic and political implications. In this report, we give a
detailed look at the impact of United Kingdom leaving European Union on the demand of labor supply
and mobility geographically of workers.
Discussion one
One of the implications of the United Kingdom decision to leave the European Union was on the
recruitment of the workers. Being part of the EU, United Kingdom enjoyed the privilege of geographic
mobility. The resident in any country that was part of the European Union had the privilege to freely
move in European Union countries so as to utilize their skills in finding jobs irrespective of any
location. This in return provided more employment opportunities to a prospective employee looking
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for work (Onrec.com, 2017). The restraints on the mobility of candidates seeking for jobs will have to be
addressed now that voter has said that the United Kingdom should no longer be part of the European
Union. Recruiters have now a task of having a better understanding of the law and regulations in
regards to workers who are migrants since there will be red tape management increase. With the
recruitment industry having its own set of laws and regulations for the protection of the candidates,
clients, and employers, the Agency Workers Regulations has its origin from the European Union
directive. Now that the United Kingdom has separated itself from the European Union, this means that
there have to be changed in agency workers regulation (Economicsonline.co.uk, 2017). The agency
workers regulation is likely to lose some rights such as worker pay on the full-time basis, vacation
leave and other benefits. Although there is a two-year notice for the changes to be made, giving
organization enough time to adjust and employers to ensure that systems in the technology workflow
are accommodating to the changes made. Agency workers regulation will continue having putting
emphasis on its foreseeable future.
Discussion two
The second implication of United Kingdom leaving European Union is the high demand for labor and
shortage in the supply of labor. It is well documented that the United Kingdom faces a lot of shortage
of skills in the field of technology, teaching, and medicine precisely nursing. There is high demand for
such skills in those fields. While the country was still part of the European Union this was still a major
challenge. Recruiters had to constantly search for perfect candidates who could fulfill such roles
(Onrec.com, 2017). Now that the country is no longer part of the European Union, its likely to face more
challenges in finding perfect people to fill such positions. This is because the advantage of being part
of the European Union paved way for the mobility of employees in the countries that were a member
of the union. The decrease in mobility globally, has shown a threat of fewer candidates showing
interest to work in United Kingdom due to the likely changes of law that take place soon (Market-
inspector.co.uk, 2017). This has negative impact on task searching and talent sourcing since it will
require more time and the result will be less fruitful. Majority of people are worried about the
immigration being on the rising end. This is because they believe that immigration will cause a
negative impact on competition of jobs and reduce wages. This mentality neglect the fact that rise in
immigration raises the demand for basic needs, therefore it is not guaranteed that there will be a
decline in the salaries in the United Kingdom. It is not easy to estimate the effect of European
immigration (Economicsonline.co.uk, 2017). People who wish to work in a kingdom will have to check
first if they have a visa for work experience and work permit that allows them to work in the United
Kingdom. This will also affect the organization since for them to compete with the world they will
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require having competent skills, some of the skills required are in shortage in the United Kingdom and
have to be fetched from other countries.
Conclusion
Exit from the European Union by the United Kingdom has undoubtedly presented a significant
challenge for European projects advocates and promoted a desire for a closer union. Interest union are
conscious of the importance of avoiding further fragmentation. One of the unintended consequence
will be to break up the political realignment of the political and United Kingdom. The implication of
labor mobility is likely to affect the organization, recruiters and prospect employees at large. With the
high demand and shortage of skill supply in United Kingdom on some fields, it’s evident that the
fruitful might be lacking the necessary skills for to enable it to stay ahead of the competition and retain
a competitive advantage over its competitors. It's certain that the United Kingdom is entering a period
that is very uncertain.
References
Allen, D. (2005). The United Kingdom: A Europeanised Government in a non-Europeanised Polity’, in. The
Member States of the European Union,: Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp.pp119-41.
Economicsonline.co.uk. (2017). The UK labour market. [online] Available at:
http://www.economicsonline.co.uk/Competitive_markets/The_labour_market.html [Accessed 4 Dec. 2017].
Market-inspector.co.uk. (2017). Impact of Brexit on Businesses in the UK | Market-Inspector. [online] Available
at: https://www.market-inspector.co.uk/blog/2016/10/impact-of-brexit-on-businesses-in-the-uk [Accessed 4
Dec. 2017].
Onrec.com. (2017). The EU Referendum – Considering the Impact on the Recruitment Industry | Onrec. [online]
Available at: http://www.onrec.com/news/opinion/the-eu-referendum-%E2%80%93-considering-the-impact-
the-recruitment-industry [Accessed 4 Dec. 2017].
Bibliography
Cameron, D. (2013) ‘The future of the EU and the UK’s relationship with it’, London, 23 Jan. 2013, accessed 27th
June. 2016.
James, S. and Oppermann, K. (2009) “Blair and The European Union”, in T. Casey (ed) The Blair Legacy: Politics,
Policy, Governance and Foreign Affairs: Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan pp285-99.
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Usherwood, S. and Startin, N. (2013) Euroscepticism as a Persistent Phenomenon, Journal of Common Market
Studies, 51(1) pp1-16.
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SECTION 2: ACADEMIC WRITING
Essay (Law students only)
Write your essay here. You can find your specific question related to your subject area on the Academic Skills
page on GSM Learn in the assessment section.
Please us a word document (.doc) for this not a PDF or screenshot.
Remember your essay must include the following:
1. A title
2. A clear subject related focus
3. Clear sections, including an introduction, discussion of one or two points and a conclusion
4. A clear, well written and academic writing style
5. Features of essay writing such as long developed paragraphs
6. Correct OSCOLA style footnotes
7. A correct OSCOLA style bibliography
Title:
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SECTION 2: REFLECTIVE WRITING
Summary (all students)
In both academic and professional settings you’ll often be asked to reflect on your learning and/or work
experience. Write a 300-word reflective summary (using Gibbs’ reflective model to help guide you) about your
experience of the Academic Skills module and what you have learned.
Your summary should include two paragraphs on:
 Your experience of working with a (study) group in an academic context. You should include
something you learned from the post-presentation reflection here (150 words).
 One key academic skill you have developed as a result of taking this module (150 words)
Remember to write in full sentences and use paragraphs
Title: Reflective Essay
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My learning experience at the university has been more fulfilling than when I was undertaking my high school
studies. Working with groups was my main issue mostly at instances where I was made the group leader. This
addressed my weakness of poor leadership. Working with a group made me realized the importance of
teamwork. This is a skill that I was able to develop through handling tasks in groups. In instances of being the
group leader, it was my duty to organize the group and plan on how the task will be tackled. It was my duty to
moderate the discussion and help my members remain focused on the main topic under discussion. This was
not an easy task for me but it exposed my introvert and converted it to an outgoing person. Presentation of
group work in front of the class helped me in developing my communication skills. Strong communication skills
are required during the presentation. I developed a lot of confidence during the group work presentation.
Being at the university has enabled me to sharpen my academic skills. I have realized that I have to change my
way of studying to be more accommodative of new research method and wider research. Through the
conduction of various research, I have been able to sharpen my critical thinking skills to allow the solving of
critical problems. With different coursework that I had to undertake, I used my strength of being innovative
and open minded with a mentality to solve the problem and find a solution to problems. I have been able to
innovate new ideas to ensure business continuity in instances where there has been a business operation in
the area with minimum internet coverage.
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