Blog and Learning Reflections: Analysis, Self-Analysis and Action Plan

This reflection analysis covers the learning related to Design Tools and blogs, personal strengths and weaknesses, and a 6-month action plan for improvement. The aim is to undertake critical self-analysis to reveal various learning experiences and recover areas of improvement through a designated improvement plan.

RUNNING HEAD: BLOG AND LEARNING REFLECTIONS
Blog and Learning Reflections
Assessment 3
Term 2 2018
Student Name:
Student ID:
Subject Name:
Subject ID: MGMT20140
Date Due:
Professor Name:
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RUNNING HEAD: BLOG AND LEARNING REFLECTIONS
Abstract
Reflection Analysis allows putting into practice relevant concepts and knowledge
learned. Learning from weekly activity and creation from blogs have been tremendous, which
has been encompassed here. Design Tools related learning have been encompassed here.
Personal strengths and weaknesses of self-has been analysed to understand learning that has
taken place. The aim here is to undertake critical self-analysis to reveal various learning
experiences and a 6-month action plan for improvement such that better learning can take place.
Thus, a conclusion is drawn to allow recovering areas of improvement through a designated
improvement plan.
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Table of Contents
1
Abstract............................................................................................................................................2
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Reflection Analysis..........................................................................................................................4
Critical Self-Analysis.......................................................................................................................7
Action plan.......................................................................................................................................9
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
Reference Lists..............................................................................................................................12
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Introduction
Reflection analysis allows understanding of knowledge and skills developed related to
particular Design Tool (Bell, Urhahne, Schanze & Ploetzner, 2010). Ann Mathews (2007) states
that individuals can become independent and resolve problems through reflection analysis.
Through the process of reflection, it is possible to turn learning, knowledge, and ideas into new
experiences for future purposes. In the current reflection statement learning related to Design
Tools and blog, development has been encompassed with critical analysis of self and a plan of
action that allows overcome difficulties faced while writing blogs (Bower, Craft, Laurillard &
Masterman, 2011).
Reflection Analysis
Reflecting on the learning related to Design Tools and blogs, it can be said that a
tremendous amount of learning has taken place (Beetham & Sharpe, 2013). There were
theoretical classes along with workshops for DT applications, which allowed development of
knowledge. In the current analysis, weekly basis blog entries based learning experiences are
shared. In Week 2 we started off with the preliminary concepts related to Design tools and then
went on to Week 3 the primary theories and models that underpin Design tools (DT) was
incorporated. I understood that there are certain basic steps through which DT is undertaking
such as logical flow, divergent and convergent thinking, its philosophical worldview, co-
designing, action-based research, triple loop learning and so on (Dhindsa & Anderson, 2011). In
the Week 2 workshop activity of DT, I did not become clear and conversant regarding the
various concepts of DT, and only after Week 3, I became clear regarding it. Week 3 I got some
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feedback from the tutor and also received some inputs from my teammates through sharing. This
processes allowed to clear concepts of learning that were discussed in Week 2 and Week 3.
In Week 4 there was undertaken the role of DT in problem finding and problem-solving.
In the workshop, there was sketching undertaken related to mind mapping processes which were
rather confusing (Edwards & Cooper, 2010). DT can be very confusing if not practiced and
understood in a clear manner. From my blog and learning experience, I can say that my group
had received plenty of opportunities for brainstorming and sketching process. I was the task
organizer and had to call for group discussion and had to possess problem-solving skills. I have a
clear understanding and thorough take on the topic as I was easily able to arrive at the root cause
of every problem.
In Week 5 learning related to journey mapping and brainstorming as a critical part of DT.
I had developed a detailed understanding of the topic from class discussions and the activity
provided further insights into it. In this activity, I was highly involved and it was of tremendous
interests to me as it deals with customer experience. The workbook allowed completing the
playbooks and I understood that a journey map comprises of three levels. It was focused highly
on innovation and I being very interested in undertaking innovation took this lesson rather
seriously. I feel that I have been able to develop theoretical knowledge pertaining to journey
mapping, though I am not very confident in practicing the same.
In Week 6 of DT, we were exposed to the concept of efficient value chains. The
theoretical background was clear to me with analysis of relevant stakeholders. We were provided
the concept of mind mapping being applied to the creation of value chains (Tanriseven, 2014).
Such value chains are connected to innovation and creativity and I were bent on creativity was
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very inclined to learn the concepts in this week. I had developed tremendous learning from this
activity, however, faced challenges in making connections to the same. In Week 7 there was
learning based on data sources and ethics in DT (Davies, 2011). This topic was very intriguing as
it involved various facets of data analysis and implications of DT. In the workshop, we learned
regarding primary and secondary data collection procedures. In this learning module, I had
developed insights regarding ways to progress in a research study. The procedure for data
collection was moreover, highlighted in this unit. In the blog, we were asked to reflect regarding
our feelings and thoughts from the workshop. I was able to develop knowledge on ways to start a
research project. In week 8, I had my learning related to prototypes and developing models in 2D
and 3D. This was a rather interesting class for me as through role plays we were exposed to the
concept of prototyping. In the workshop, there were various prototyping techniques and binding
that was discussed for the purpose of testing feasible models. The workshop was very
professional in nature as it provided professional insights into the same through developing skills
in the storyboard, sketching, wireframing and so on. In Week 9, I was exposed to the idea of
Learning Launch. The learning material provided insights into several business cases problem
analysis. In the workshop, there was the application of learning that had taken place through the
learning module (Sedikides & Hepper, 2009). The workshop and reflecting on the blog allowed
to incorporate feedback such that tools taught can be applied in the future. Thus, reflection on
weekly learning and blog reflection allowed understanding the development of my knowledge,
skills and learning from the same.
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Critical Self-Analysis
The above reflection of theoretical and practical learning in workshop revealed several
aspects related to my learning and development of knowledge (Horney, 2013). Self-assessment
can be extremely challenging as self-assessment does not always succeed. I have attempted to
undertake critical self-analysis from whatever self-awareness I have developed from reflecting
on blog activity. I have undertaken SWOT (Strength, weakness opportunity and threat) analysis
for analyzing my personal self (Addams & Allfred, 2013). The module on Design Tool is
extensive as it covered most concepts and tools that are used currently. Most importantly the
workshop conducted at classes allowed in the development of concepts related to various tools
that have been taught. Undertaking my self-analysis from a personal and professional point of
view was provided on current developments. Personally, I am a highly energetic and optimistic
person, successful in achieving academic and learning success. Some of my weaknesses are the
inability to communicate effectively, inability to stay focused on a relevant area and short-
temperament (Berzonsky & Luyckx, 2008). I had devised a WhatsApp group where members
from the group can communicate effectively related to their inputs, feedback, and feelings. Due
to this weakness, I feel I had not been able to effectively attain cent percent learning. As I had
not been able to express my thoughts or areas of confusion to my professor also. Though my
professor was very helpful yet due to my inability to communicate, the professor was not able to
effectively guide me and aid in my learning of DT. I faced challenges in sketching and mainly
connecting points of DT with each other. Developing of those points on the basis of problem
statement was another aspect that I needed to learn and implement. However, I felt from my
communication that I was unable to provide relevant inputs for team members which would
allow them to brainstorm ideas. My inability to stay focused on a single idea hampered my
productivity significantly. As the week's learning progressed in a dynamic manner, I kept
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swaying from one aspect of DT to the other. I started changing from one concept to the other for
the purpose of developing a problem for my team. This hindered my capability to make
maximum development and progressed related to a concept. My short-temperament is my major
behavioral challenge, hindered my capability to make a maximum contribution into a particular
weekly learning. My short-temperament also often led to conflicts within my team. This was a
major challenge that I faced while working in a team and develop suitable solutions to problems.
Evaluating my professional skills, I was able to evaluate that I possess high skills relative
to organizing and leadership. These strengths allow me to provide problems to a team and
organize meetings where each one can participate and provide their own input and ideas
(Thomas, Chie, Abraham, Jalarajan Raj & Beh, 2014). I gained my organizing skills from my
capability to undertake several assignments and studies at the same time and to complete the
same. In my personal tasks also I am able to rapidly undertake several works at the same time
and develop learning related to all. I possess tremendous leadership skills, which was reflected in
my capability to direct the group towards the selection of a specific problem set and ignoring the
others. Through organizing of groups meetings, I was able to translate the problems defined into
a suitable solution using DT (Lee & Cavanaugh, 2016). DT provides a very interactive procedure
which can be interpreted even by a layman easily. I have developed great interests in DT as I feel
the tools discussed here has the capability to diagnose more complex industrial problems and
take me further in my professional career. I aim to undertake more studies courses in DT to be
able to comprehend and become an expert in the domain. From my classes and workshop, I feel
that more classes need to have been provided for us. As such DT would not only allow
enhancing professional career rather it would also help in undertaking higher studies or research
work. I have great interests in taking up research post completion of my studies, I feel with the
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use of DT, I will easily be able to project my problem statement and then arrive at a suitable
solution related to the same.
Analysis of learning related to weekly activities and blog provides that my major threat is
the inability to practice the DT taught in class to be able to practice it in my professional area
(Yoo, 2016). In my professional practice, I need to be able to apply the various DT tools learned
and solve problems from the same. I need to undertake a significant amount of practice to be able
to apply the tools learned in weekly learning sessions. This is the main area of opportunity for
me, to be able to develop and practice skills that can be applied across the professional field. I
have already developed a significant amount of knowledge and capability in almost all the
weekly learning. I have also been able to develop skills pertaining to designing of mind maps,
journey mapping, learning launch and several other learning tools (Poole, 2010). My gap areas
relate to developing the capability to apply skills and knowledge. There is also a gap related to
the ability to work in groups and overcoming my short-temperament. Overcoming these areas for
me would allow me to become a professional person.
Action plan
Analysing areas of critical learning reveals several strengths, weakness, opportunity, and
threats. This action plan includes time-bound objectives that need to be achieved (Breines &
Chen, 2012). The action plan has been devised such that problem areas can easily be overcome
and processes can be adopted within time bound frame. Analysing my learning experience, it can
be said that my strengths include careful planning, ability to convert learning into the application,
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the capability to draw and work in a group, leadership and organizing skills. This action plan is
aimed at overcoming the weaknesses that I have faced an inability to communicate effectively,
which further affected my capability to cope up with studies and complete sketching on time
(Sicora, 2010). I was unable to decide on nodes or points on the basis of the problem statement. I
feel that as I have diagnosed this problem, the best way to overcome it is by talking regarding
this directly to the professor, he will guide me through the procedure again. Another way to
improvise and overcome this problem related to DT is to practice from several cases that are
available in the library or from online sources. Through rapid practice, I will be able to overcome
this challenge and become an expert in sketching of any type of DT, be it storyboard, mind map
or journey mapping tool. I am to become an expert in this aspect within a period of 3 months
starting now; I feel this short period is sufficient to allow me to overcome this challenge
(Sherman & Hartson, 2011). In regards to communication, I can practice verbal and formal
communication skills from self-help books that are available at the library. Self-help books in
communication are available in plenty at the library and it will allow me to practice my
communication skills and express thoughts easily. I am to become an effective communicator
within 6 months from now. Communication is an integral aspect of the professional domain as
well; therefore, I need to become an effective communicator. I will further take feedback from
my friends and teammates regarding my communication skill gained, on a regular basis. I will
maintain a journal of self-development where I will mark my various progress; this will allow
me to track my development. The monthly basis for recording an increase in my communication
skills will help me become an efficient person in communication in 6 months period (Seligman,
2011).
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Another weakness of mine includes the inability to stay focused on a relevant area; I feel
this is a serious area where I need to work upon. In order that I increase my ability to focus, I
need to start meditating. I have heard that meditation has several positive impacts on calming of
the mind and allows an individual capability to focus easily. I will take up meditation classes that
are available near my area in which I reside. Such classes, I will undertake for a period of 1
month and then practice on my own to help me overcome this problem. I hope with continuous
and regular practice, I will easily become a patient person (Murdock & Goel, 2008). Another
weakness of mine related to short-temperament can also be overcome by use of meditation
procedure. Another threat of mine which I diagnosed was incapability to form appropriate DT
sketches. Such an issue can be overcome in case I am able to undertake rigorous practice for the
next 6 months using various tools such that I am able to become an expert in the same. Thus, all
my action plans are limited to the extent of 6 months and I hope all my futuristic goals will be
met in case I am able to adopt procedure as I have defined above. Most importantly, I will
maintain a self-analysis journal to track my regular progress related to myself such that I am able
to become efficient in my personal as well as professional goals.
Conclusion
Analysing learning from the above perspective several strengths and weaknesses have
been discussed. It becomes integral in overcoming the challenges faced in learning.
Incorporating the plan of action within 6 months step by step will allow overcoming of the
challenges faced and become a capable individual, who can easily apply Design tools.
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