ITECH 5500: Professional Research and Communication Reflective Journal

This reflective journal details a student's experience in a professional research and communication course (ITECH 5500). The journal entries span ten weeks, documenting the student's learning journey. Key topics include time management, problem-solving skills, and decision-making. The stude...Read More

Running head: PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH AND COMMUNICATION
Professional Research and Communication: Reflective Journal
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH AND COMMUNICATION
Reflective Journal
Week 1
While working on the research topic I have learnt the importance of time management
and decision making. I have understood that having a good problem solving skills is important to
ensure success in the undertaken research work. One of the primary challenges associated with
this research was to choose the topic of research. The very first task of the workshop helped me
in polishing up my problem solving skills. I have taken the test to understand how good the
problem skill was. I scored considerably well in the test; however, I felt that there was a little
scope for improvement as well. I always try to develop an implementation plan before choosing
a solution to a particular problem, which I feel is very important. Furthermore, I always try to
bring in improvement in the solution which helps me to avoid the future problems that are likely
to arise. However, I have found out that I will need to work a little more with my self confidence
as it is an important aspect of problem solving. After attending the workshop, I have felt that I
need to build my self confidence to ensure easier problem solving.
Week 2
The second workshop that I have attended was equally important for me and for the
research. Talking from my perspective, I have felt that the workshops and the tutorials that I have
attended have considerably helped me in achieving the desired results while working in this
project. In the workshop of this week, I have gained a knowledge about Ontology epistemology
and methodology. The second workshop has been really helpful in making me understand the
concept of problem statement and identification of the research problem. I have understood that a
good quality problem statement should contain justification of the problem that the research is

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going to address and any shortcomings associated with the previous researches. I have
understood the importance or significance of identifying the research problem.
Week 3
As I attended the further tutorials, I have understood how to make use of statistics in the
research report. I have understood the concept of Statistics and variable types. Our research will
be based on both primary and secondary research. The knowledge about this is important for
performing a primary research.
Week 4
In the fourth workshop, I have understood the concepts of qualitative and quantitative
data analysis. I have understood the main features of qualitative and quantitative data analysis
and this has helped me in understand the main concept of academic research. After identification
of the research topic, the most important aspect of the research is to identify the process by
which data is analysed, this I have learnt in Week 4 of the tutorial. I think that all the knowledge
that I have gathered over the course will help me in my professional career as well. I have learnt
to define and identify the problem statement of a research topic, which is an essential aspect of
any research. I have further understood the importance of planning and developing an
implementation plan for a successful research.
Week 5
I had an overwhelming experience throughout this course as it helped me in
understanding and learning the different concepts and aspects of a research report. In the
workshops that I have attended, I have learnt about a new referencing tool that is endnote. End

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Note helps in accurate referencing and helps in refined search as well. The experiences of
learning new things were great and I have glad that I could achieve the same. The lecturers have
further helped me in understanding the different concepts of a research and the process of
implementing a research.
Week 6
I have particularly loved to attend the workshop 6 as it discusses about the ethical
theories and the ethical consideration associated with a research. This workshop has helped me
in understanding the concept of Utilitarianism and Deontology theory that is needed analysing a
particular situation through an ethical perspective. I have learnt about two important ethical
theories, which are Utilitarianism theory and deontology theory. I have understood the
importance of two ethical theories which are Utilitarianism and deontology theory. Considering
the ethical aspects associated with a research is important.
Week 7
The experiences I have gained in the 7th tutorial workshop will help me in managing the
problems associated with a research. The experiences that I have gained will be considerably
helpful in my academic carrier. The workshops that I have attended have helped me in
understanding the importance of the different ethics application form and the concept of ethical
collection and use of data.
Week 8
I have learnt that literature review is an important aspect of any research study. One of
the most important needs for an extensive literature review includes choosing of a right source of

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the literature review. Furthermore I have gained a knowledge about synthesis matrix required in
a research. I have learnt how to choose an accurate literatures and journals needed for a research
study along with the correct structure of literature review. I have understood the importance of
making use of different sub topics in the research to make it more descriptive. Through these
workshops, I have gained a detailed insight of the different aspects of conducting a research
study and the importance of the research study. I have understood that the importance of
maintaining the structure of a research project.
Week 9
The knowledge that I have gained throughout this course has considerably brought a
change in my writing process. I have understood the importance of planning before starting to
work on the research project. I have understood the importance of a structured implementation of
a research project. I have developed good problem solving skills and our research was performed
in a structured manner. Problem definition is an important need for a research project and
therefore it is important to understand the process.
Week 10
The coursework and the workshop that I have attended helped me in gaining knowledge
about the different aspects and needs of the research. The lecture slides have been a great help in
understanding different research paradigms, which were successfully implemented in the
research report. The course work and the entire research study have changed how I look about a
situation. I have understood the importance of making use of the different research tools and
techniques in a research study. We have proposed a research on the topic “Virtual Reality on

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Transport”. The knowledge that I have gained throughout the workshop, along with the tutorials
and the lecture slides has helped me and my team in successful implementation of the research.