HI6008 Reflective Writing: Social Networks in Business - Wesfarmers

This reflective journal documents a student's learning experience throughout a 12-week course focused on the advantages and disadvantages of using social networks in business, specifically within the context of Wesfarmers, Australia. The journal details weekly learnings covering research methodologies, literature review, ethical considerations, qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis, sampling techniques, and the significance of mixed-method research. The student reflects on how each week's content, including assignments, contributed to their understanding of business research principles and their ability to apply these principles to real-world scenarios. The journal concludes by emphasizing the value of the learning experience for both personal and professional development, highlighting improved communication and problem-solving skills.

Running head: ASSIGNMENT 3
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Social Networks in Business in the Context of
Wesfarmers, Australia
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

1ASSIGNMENT 3
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Week 1.............................................................................................................................................2
Week 2.............................................................................................................................................2
Week 3.............................................................................................................................................3
Week 4.............................................................................................................................................3
Week 5.............................................................................................................................................3
Week 6.............................................................................................................................................3
Week 7.............................................................................................................................................4
Week 8.............................................................................................................................................4
Week 9.............................................................................................................................................4
Week 10...........................................................................................................................................5
Week 11...........................................................................................................................................5
Week 12...........................................................................................................................................5
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................6
Bibliography....................................................................................................................................7

2ASSIGNMENT 3
Introduction
I attended a 12 week learning course before conducting my assignment 1 and assignment
2. The prime purpose of the learning course was to facilitate me to conduct literature review and
research proposal for my study. My business research topic was “Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Social Networks in Business in the Context of Wesfarmers, Australia”. The learning
experience provided me great experience in my life. In this reflective journal, I will explain my
learning experience throughout the 12 week learning course in weekly format.
Week 1
The learning course of 1st week was associated with the learning of various research
nature, research strategies and business research process. In this week, came to know about
general research principles that can be applied conducting every kind of research. I understood
the major differences between the academic research and business research. From my opinion,
this learning experience will be highly valuable for conducting the business research in specific
format.
Week 2
In week 2, I learned about several ways of designing and planning business researches.
Moreover, I read the about the concepts like case study, longitudinal, cross sectional,
experimental and comparative research for properly conducting the research study. The learning
course provided me structured insights into the theoretical and practical dimensions of the
business study. From my opinion, such learning experience will help me in understanding the
core business progress criteria in my future professional life.

3ASSIGNMENT 3
Week 3
In 3rd week, I learned about writing and reviewing the literature review in effective
manner. It realized that I need to review the main ideas of the research for its successful
completion. In this week, I came to know about the significance for social norms, which are
required to incorporate in the research study. Such learning experience can be highly essential
for me to understand the social values and personal values in my own personal life.
Week 4
This week was related to the understanding of ethical norms to be maintained in
conducting business research. The learning of ethical guidelines and ethical codes of professional
association can be highly essential for directing me through my business research study. The
understanding between ethical and unethical practice will definitely assist me to always choose
ethical practice both in my personal as well as professional life.
Week 5
The 5th week will be associated with learning of qualitative research and precious
learning of qualitative research process. I read different lecture slides and contents on several
websites regarding the research topic. Apart from that, I also watched different types of YouTube
videos on the research for gaining huge knowledge regarding the research topic.
Week 6
In this week, I came to know about the interview method, which is mostly applied to
collected qualitative data. However, I faced extreme difficulties in understanding the concept of

4ASSIGNMENT 3
focus group. However, I heard that I can perfectly use interview instead of focus group for
collecting research information.
Week 7
This week was actually related to the learning of qualitative data analysis process. I
leaned about codified rules regarding the data analysis process of qualitative data. In my business
research, I implemented the procedures and techniques of data analysis. Hence, the data analysis
process provided me with practical experience regarding the techniques qualitative data analysis.
Week 8
This week was about learning of nature and sampling process of quantitative data.
Moreover, I learned about several types of sampling process and their association with the
overall research. In my business research, I formulated effective sampling process for collecting
objective information regarding the importance of social networks in business. In this way, the
business process was useful enough to complete my overall learning experience with practical
implementation of sampling.
Week 9
In this week, I learned about the importance of structured interview and effective ways of
asking proper interview questions. Furthermore, the learning course of this week also teaches me
the way of formulating effective ways of self-completion questionnaires. I conducted assignment
1 for being aware of different types of research variables. Such awareness can help me to
formulate proper research questionnaires to collect research information.

5ASSIGNMENT 3
Week 10
In this week, I became aware of the structured observation method that is an alternative
of survey based measure. Moreover, my learning was related to the explicit rules and behaviors
involved in the data collection process. I understood that the clarity of the research
questionnaires is extremely important for better interaction with the research participants. I
conducted assignment 2 for getting practical idea about questionnaire design and sampling
process. Such practical learning can be highly significant for conducting the final research
successfully.
Week 11
In 11th week, I realized the significance of secondary data analysis process in leading
accurate research result. Such types of analysis employ large data set and high quality data.
Moreover, I realized that official statistics can lead to less error in the research result. In this
week, I also learned about the quantitative data analysis process. The learning experience on both
types of data analysis can assist me in conducting effective research in my future academic life.
Week 12
In 12th week, I learned about the increasing significance of mixed method of research
study. The overall learning experience has enhanced my communication skills and interpersonal
skills. I also helped in dealing with different types of issues during my interaction with others. In
this way, such learning experience can facilitate in resolving different challenges of my personal
life as well as future career life.

6ASSIGNMENT 3
Conclusion
While concluding the learning experience, I must state that the 12 week learning course
can be useful both for my personal life as well as career life. The learning experience has assisted
me in conducting both assignment 1 and assignment 2. I gathered huge knowledge regarding the
importance of social networks on the business context. The preparation of assignment 2 helped
me in gaining practical knowledge regarding the business research. I have also learned to deal
with several challenges through the learning experience. Such experience would be highly
beneficial for me to deal with real life challenges.

7ASSIGNMENT 3
Bibliography
Caillaud, E., Rose, B. and Goepp, V., 2016. Research methodology for systems engineering:
some recommendations. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 49(12), pp.1567-1572.
Choy, L.T., 2014. The strengths and weaknesses of research methodology: Comparison and
complimentary between qualitative and quantitative approaches. IOSR Journal of Humanities
and Social Science, 19(4), pp.99-104.
Dumay, J. and Cai, L., 2015. Using content analysis as a research methodology for investigating
intellectual capital disclosure: a critique. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 16(1), pp.121-155.
Farooq, S. and O'Brien, C., 2015. An action research methodology for manufacturing technology
selection: a supply chain perspective. Production Planning & Control, 26(6), pp.467-488.
Fletcher, A.J., 2017. Applying critical realism in qualitative research: methodology meets
method. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 20(2), pp.181-194.
Lewis, S., 2015. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five
approaches. Health promotion practice, 16(4), pp.473-475.
McCusker, K. and Gunaydin, S., 2015. Research using qualitative, quantitative or mixed
methods and choice based on the research. Perfusion, 30(7), pp.537-542.