Reflective Journal: Experiences and Lessons from a Consulting Project

Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments for students. This reflection details a consulting project.

Individual Reflection
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Discussion........................................................................................................................................4
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................7
Reference list...................................................................................................................................8
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Introduction
The purpose of the study is to illustrate about the ideas, choices and situations that took place
while the consulting project or group work was prepared. In order to carry out the task
effectively, Kolb’s Reflective Model has been used, and in addition, it will help to prepare the
study in a much-organised manner.
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Discussion
The best part that I want to begin with is about my team members and mentors, who helped to
complete the consulting project and fulfil the expectations of all the clients. One thing that I want
to share about the consulting project is that it was an intense experience, which I have faced.
Every client that we worked with had different needs and expectations, so it was a quite
challenge to integrate the entire project and accomplish the desired outcomes within the time
limits. Initially a preliminary exam was conducted in which students were evaluated about their
skills and the knowledge set that they had acquired in their experiences. Later, a random
selection process was conducted to form different teams or groups for the consulting project
(Aaron, 2018). This entire process was conducted under the supervision of senior
representatives, therefore, issues of any kind was avoided. After the formation of the team, roles
and responsibilities of each member was conveyed. Each step was carried out in a systematic
manner, which helped to avoid all sorts of delay. At a point, during the consulting project, roles
and responsibilities of few members were interchanged. This was done due to the changing
requirements of the project, however, it was not a matter of big concern and it did not affect the
result of the project (Audet and Marcotte, 2017).
The host organisation was selected after conducting extensive research and analysis based on the
aspects that we needed to work upon (Kassean et al., 2015). Initially, we all determined certain
criteria’s that we wished to follow, therefore, based on those elements; the decision of an
appropriate organisation was made. We approached the organisation through their contact details
available on their website.
Right from the beginning of the project, we faced several challenges and problems. However,
this never worried us; rather we got more and more involved in the project. We conducted
several meetings and seminars with the clients that helped us to gain better insights about the
different needs of clients. The major problem that arose during the project included the ever-
changing state of affairs, which caused slight confusion, but all my team members were
determined to make the project a success, which primarily inspired us to face everything and
follow our path. As I remember about the project, we focused on three important aspects of the
consulting project, which included planning, strategy development and the execution process.
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Initially, we were at the state of confusion while planning about the project, due to the above-
mentioned affairs. However, it was clarified after few meetings and seminars, in which focused
on collaborating with the clients and organisation. After, this was resolved, we moved on to the
second stage, where we devised specific strategies. This time we carried out this process in
collaboration with the clients so that there is no margin of confusion and faults. This approach of
my group was highly appreciated, which helped us to gain more confidence and progress much
faster than the other group members.
This way we managed to build a strong relationship with the organisation and resolve all the
issues in an efficient manner. With enhanced collaboration with the organisation and clients the
execution part become very easy, along with this, intense discussion sessions with the clients was
helpful in carrying out all the tasks (Turner, 2018).
The entire time that we spend while conducting the consulting project involved some sort of new
experience and learning. The most important aspect that I personally enjoyed learning during the
project was that no matter how smart an individual is, it is always beneficial to collaborate with
others and keep a growth mindset. These two aspects was the major root of our group that kept
us positive during the entire journey and in addition, motivated us to deal so many clients and
their ever-changing needs. This learning will always stay with me and I hope to implement it in
all my future studies and projects. The three stages that we followed while conducting the project
required different approach altogether, as each one of them has its own purpose. I realised that
my concepts were sound and concrete during the planning stage, however, I lacked the conscious
effort to handle every aspect to manage the tasks smoothly. On the other hand, I was unaware
about the warning signs that need to be tackled and considered while conducting a consulting
project. I identified these few areas about personal self and plan to work on these matters through
learning and development.
An important aspect that I have come to realise is that I have definitely not mastered all the
essential skills that are required for planning, controlling and managing a consulting project.
Therefore, focusing on personal development needs and areas will be the major area that I will
pursue in near future.
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In my experience, I would like to say that every experience and learning that I have gathered
through the process is of great benefit for my future. I am very proud and happy that each group
member supported me during the project and I have able to learn from each of him or her. Most
importantly, I have realised that next time whenever I am working in a consulting project, I
would deeply focus on collaborating with the clients, as it helps to build trust and convince them
to work with us. This factor can be highly benefiting during the later stage of the project, when
things may become difficult.
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Conclusion
The major conclusion that can be drawn from the above study is the fact that a consulting
projects a highly challenging project. However, with focus on building important relationships
with clients can help to develop trust among each other. Approaching the consulting project with
a systematic flow followed by each step with unique purpose can help to accomplish the desired
outcomes.
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Reference list
Aaron, J.R., 2018, March. Experiential Learning: Transforming Strategic Management to
Strategic Business Consulting. In Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential
Learning: Proceedings of the Annual ABSEL conference (Vol. 45).
Audet, J. and Marcotte, G., 2017. Business Consulting Projects: An Experiential Learning
Opportunity for Students.
Kassean, H., Vanevenhoven, J., Liguori, E. and Winkel, D.E., 2015. Entrepreneurship education:
a need for reflection, real-world experience and action. International Journal of Entrepreneurial
Behavior & Research, 21(5), pp.690-708.
Turner, J.R., 2018. The management of the project-based organization: A personal reflection.
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