Business Creativity Reflective Log

This report presents a reflective log on business creativity, detailing a student's learning journey across nine topics. The topics covered include introducing creativity, developing creative business ideas, the Business Model Canvas (parts 1 & 2), strategy in startups and existing businesses, reinterpreting strategy, the business model design process, and implementing and managing creativity. The student meticulously documents their learning experience for each topic, including group activities and personal reflections. A significant portion of the report is dedicated to a reflection on creativity and innovation skills using the Gibbs Reflective Cycle, outlining the student's self-assessment, areas for improvement, and action plans to enhance their problem-solving, leadership, and management skills. The report concludes with a summary of the overall learning experience and a comprehensive list of references.

Business Creativity

TABLE OF CONTENTS
REFLECTIVE LOG........................................................................................................................1
Journal over nine topics..............................................................................................................1
Reflection on creativity and innovation skills.............................................................................4
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

REFLECTIVE LOG
Journal over nine topics
Topic 1: Introducing creativity
This session was completely based on creativity and its basic concepts. The human brain
is influenced by certain types of thinking which involves lateral thinking and creative thinking
(Johnston and Bate, 2013). Throughout the lectures, I came to know about the basic theories of
creativity which involves grace, accident, association, cognitive and personality. Depending on
the conceptual framework developed through this theoretical knowledge I was able to understand
that thinking process when influenced with creativity helps in developing innovation. I felt quite
astonishing and wonderful about the three paths which lead to a creative set up i.e. divergence,
convergence and provocation. My group was asked to develop a research on the techniques
which enhance creativity of managers and entrepreneurs. Our research was quite fruitful and we
were able to understand the ways in which creativity can be inculcated in daily research. After
completion of this session, I was able to develop alternatives through which creativity can be
enhanced.
Topic 2: Developing Creativity and the Business Idea
My concepts about entrepreneurial attributes were replenished with help of this session
based on developing a business idea with creativity. I came to know about the techniques
through which creative thinking is developed and opportunities are recognised. During the
sessions, I was able to understand that business idea has to qualify certain criteria so that its
execution doesn't call for failure. I came to know about the in-depth relation which is shared
between creativity and innovation. In this session, the learning was supported by reflective
exercises and further readings which are provided in the session booklet. I felt that my
knowledge in generation of creative ideas was enlightened with thought provoking facts
provided in this session. Further, our group task was to develop an insight regarding a problem
which is not met despite of occurring on a continuous basis (Lussier, Grégoire and Vachon,
2017). Through the learning obtained from this session, I have understood the technique through
which effectiveness of a creative idea can be analysed.
Topic 3: The Business Model Canvas – Part 1
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Business Model Canvas is a tool which is used for developing an insight regarding the
business. This knowledge was pursued by myself through this session. I had to be prepared with
the basic concepts of business canvas model. However, during our lectures, there were clear
guidelines provided in terms of the components which are associated with business models and a
descriptive analysis when applying the model in practical (Gundry, Ofstein and Kickul, 2014). I
have learnt the stages of design of this model in current session and this learning was
acknowledged by our tutor through use of certain books and journals. I understood that
knowledge about customers is quite essential for developing an insight regarding strategic
position of business organisation. My overall experience while organising and accomplishing the
task was very good. However, I have understood that concepts of business canvas model could
have been more specifically understood through use of examples of a multinational. I would
have done this in the aforementioned way. After completing this session, I prepared for the next
stage.
Topic 4: The Business Model Canvas – Part 2
The entire Business Model Canvas is divided into certain components like revenue
streams, cost structure, key resources, key activities and key partners. I have learnt all these
aspects in this session. I have understood through this lesson that business model canvas has to
be used in such a manner that company is able to make effective decision. The activity that was
organised for this session was based on storytelling which helped in designing one model
through support of a group. I supported my group through enhanced learning and use of better
principles in application. This session was definitely organised in an efficient way but some
more practical examples could have been used for developing better understanding. The overall
experience was very good and after this session I understood that discussions are an important
part of team learning.
Topic 5: Strategy: Creativity in Business Start-Ups
During the preparation of this session, facts about the business models and working
environment were gathered. I had collected this information and utilised it for developing
strategies for the business especially start-ups. I have learnt that there are four main areas which
are to be dealt when business model environment are considered. Furthermore, our team have
understood the designing of innovative models with reference to a number of drivers and barriers
which exist in the business environment. I felt satisfied after completion of this lecture and filled
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with greater enthusiasm after getting a positive response. Furthermore, I understood that lectures
require more interaction and discussions to support better delivery of knowledge. This would
have been included by me on a different note.
Topic 6: Strategy : Creativity in Existing Businesses – Model Patterns Explained
In the preparation of this session the business model's were identified and after that a
brief evaluation was done. This session was based on the factors by which all these models were
driven. During the workshop the focus was to increase the creativity in business with the help of
those models. I was feeling very energetic because all these models were quite interesting. I
came to know about the core business types like production innovation, customer relationship
management and infrastructure management (Gundry, Ofstein and Kickul, 2014). Myself along
with the group decided to learn the models one by one and later on a brief discussion was done to
identify the knowledge we gain during the session. This session was very good. I was able to
identify the business model pattern just by looking at the business plan of any organization.
Topic 7: Reinterpreting Strategy through the Business Model Lens
During the preparation of this particular session the aim was to inspire all the students to
acquire the benefits of business creativity. This was based on understanding the reinterpreting
strategy with the help of several business lens. During the entire seminar the focus was on
Car2Go's value proposition and the benefits and impacts of the environment on the company. My
aim was to know the barriers which can come while implementing the strategy. I came to know
about the drivers for implementing and developing the business model of the company. Whole
group and I was focused on the techniques by which we can understand the traditional car
manufacturing process. This session was very interesting and I was very curious to know the
technology used in the production unit of cars. I was able to know the business models and the
environmental impact on those models.
Topic 8: Business Model Design Process
The session was prepared in context with the process used in designing the model. This
was on the basis of the use of innovative models and the challenges faced in this. However
during the lectures the aim was on the nine building blocks of the business model and the
elements used in the design process. I came to know about the challenges faced while developing
new models. My focus was on the understanding the needs of market so that the company will
improve the existing models. It will help them in creating the entirely new market based on new
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models. This session was very knowledgeable. I came to know about the new technologies,
products and services to the market.
Topic 9: Implement and Manage Creativity
My knowledge about the management and implementation of technologies was
replenished with the help of this session. I have understood how to do the assessment of business
models. During the entire session, the aim was to do the SWOT analysis of the business. I was
able to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the model. My aim was
to gain the knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of doing the SWOT analysis. This
lecture was based on the understanding the risks associated with the business model. I came to
know about the Blue ocean strategy which is very useful in model innovation.
Reflection on creativity and innovation skills
My skills and knowledge have been enhanced with the concepts that were introduced for
developing creativity in business aspects. As per the Gibbs Model of Reflection helps in
understanding the personal developments in five stages. As per my understanding, these stages
are elaborated as follows:
Step 1 Description: I have taken part in coursework which helped me in developing my
skills. I have joined the coursework for improving my problem-solving skills, leadership skills,
management skills etc. I have joined this with my teammates. Personal development plan is very
significant for any individual because it helps in developing career (Hicks, P. J. and et.al, 2014).
Step 2 Feelings: Initially when I joined the course work I was very nervous but as I
started interacting with all my teammates I got confidence. Other people with me were also
nervous at that time but after some days we all started feeling confident curious to learn these
skills. Now I am more confident about solving problems and my leadership skills are getting
better. It is essential that systematic approaches should be used to improve problem solving skills
(Osterwalder and et.al 2010). It is must that I should learn about leadership skill so that it will
help me to lead in business acclivities.
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Illustration 1: Gibbs Model for reflection
(Source: Gibbs , 2017)
Step 3 Evaluation : I have taken part in course work in which I have evaluated that there
are some areas which requires improvement. I have supported each team member while taking
part in activities. We have told each other about weak areas of ourselves. I have observed that I
am unable to solve problems like my team members.
Step 4 Conclusions : I have concluded that I am lacking in various skills which I need to
improve. It is required that I should take some steps to increase my interpersonal skills. Areas
which I have identified are problem solving skills, management skills and influencing skills. I
will take part in various activities to improve my skills for solving a problem. I can join training
programs to learn problem solving abilities. Training program will support me to learn about
various techniques to solve a problem patiently and efficiently (Patton, Parker and Tannehill,
2015). This can help me to analyse each problem and to find out solution for it. I will join
seminars in which I will get opportunities to learn from lecturers. They will give me assistance in
handling situations. Lecturers will also help me to identify problem and solve it in a particular
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time. In seminar, I will get chances to participate in different group discussion. GD's will give
me chance to show my interpersonal capabilities.
Step 5 Actions : In future I will try to make improvements in my skills so that I can take
part in coursework in more effective manner. I will try to improve my influencing skills by
joining internship program in real organisation. I will join internship program in real
organisation. This internship program will train me about management competencies. It will
provide me practical and real-time example to manage work in effective manner. Training
programs will help me to know about different kind of management abilities. I can join training
session which is provided by many companies. Training program will give me an opportunity to
work in real environment where I can showcase my capabilities. I will start learning about
dynamics of management which will provide me knowledge about issue raised in managing staff
people. I can start reading books on management skills. Books will give me knowledge about
attributes of managers (Gamrat, Dudek and Peck, 2014). I can also learn from my senior’s
mangers who can provide me information about these skills. Learning these abilities will require
time of 2 to 3 months.
Proper monitoring would also be needed and for this I will take reviews from my
subordinates. I can ask my seniors to rate me on my influencing skills. I will make schedule to
checkout my skills. Feedbacks from my friend and employees will help me to work on my weak
performing areas (De Bono, 1995). I have made plan to improve my organisation capabilities,
problem solving skill, management skills and influencing abilities. I am trying to improve them
by joining seminars, webinars and some training programs. I am using various resources to
enhance my abilities in different areas. Schedules would be made by me to accomplish my
targets. I will monitor my progress against the set standards. I will start following may
objectivist properly so that I can get these skills as early as possible. Reviews should be taken by
me to know about my weak performing areas. Proper plan will help me to achieve my goals in
skill learning.
Conclusion
Throughout our course of learning, there are a wide range of topics which have been
covered for enhancing knowledge. I have addressed all of them with factual data and
information. Despite of the fact that gaining knowledge is not so difficult but it is important for
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every individual to perform group tasks in an effective manner. This reflective log holds evident
to the knowledge which has been gained throughout the course of business creativity.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
De Bono, E. 1995. Serious creativity.The Journal for Quality and Participatio. 18(5). p.12.
Gamrat, C., Dudek, J. and Peck, K., 2014. Personalized workplace learning: An exploratory
study on digital badging within a teacher professional development program.British
journal of educational technology. 45(6). pp.1136-1148.
Gundry, L. K., Ofstein, L. F. and Kickul, J. R., 2014. Seeing around corners: How creativity
skills in entrepreneurship education influence innovation in business. The International
Journal of Management Education. 12(3). pp.529-538.
Hicks, P. J. and et.al, 2014. Domain of competence: personal and professional
development.Academic pediatrics. 14(2S). pp. S80-S97.
Johnston, R. E. and Bate, J. D., 2013. The power of strategy innovation: a new way of linking
creativity and strategic planning to discover great business opportunities. AMACOM Div
American Mgmt Assn.
Lussier, B., Grégoire, Y. and Vachon, M. A., 2017. The role of humor usage on creativity, trust
and performance in business relationships: An analysis of the salesperson-customer
dyad. Industrial Marketing Management.
Osterwalder, A. and et.al 2010. Business Model Generation: A handbook for visionaries, game
changers and challengers.African journal of business management. 5(7). pp.22-30.
Patton, K., Parker, M. and Tannehill, D., 2015. Helping teachers help themselves: professional
development that makes a difference.NASSP Bulletin. 99(1). pp.26-42.
Online
Gibbs , 2017. Available through: <https://www.brookes.ac.uk>. [Accessed on 24th June 2017].
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