MBA Business Capstone Project: A Reflection Report Analysis

This reflection report details a student's experience with a business capstone project, emphasizing the development of strategic thinking and the application of learned concepts. The report covers various aspects, including project selection, scope determination, research methodologies (Ansoff matrix, cost-benefit analysis, etc.), data collection and analysis, and the process of writing a research proposal. The student reflects on challenges such as time management, communication with supervisors, and a lack of scientific training, while also highlighting the importance of literature reviews, avoiding common research mistakes, and understanding different sections of a research proposal. The report further explores the significance of research ethics, data collection techniques, and the impact of deadlines and self-confidence on project completion. The student shares insights on overcoming these challenges and improving research skills, including library management and the construction of effective research questions. The report concludes with a focus on enhancing professional career prospects within the research field.

Running head: REFLECTIVE
BUSINESS CAPSTONE PROJECT

REFLECTIVE 2
Reflection report
From course, I have developed my understanding of the business capstone project. In this
way, I have learned that the business capstone subject makes it competent to scholars to
depict their competency in order to think strategically as well as, implement the concepts and
techniques that are learned in course for developing their selection. I would like to apply
investigative as well as, specialized understanding of that setting. Throughout this course, I
have enhanced my learning regarding the selection of projects or topics. From this, I have
enhanced my understanding related to determining the scope of the business capstone project.
During the business capstone project, it was challenging for me to attain sound depth
assessment for multiple firms all at once within often tight that confines the business capstone
projects (Quinlan, Babin, Carr, & Griffin, 2019).
I have highly contributed to implementing research methods. I have also contributed to data
collection and techniques of data analysis. From the course, it is observed that there are
different techniques of data analysis such as Ansoff matrix, cost-benefit analysis, balanced
scorecard, market research, thematic analysis, workforce analysis, and other techniques
(Nestel, et. al., 2019). This learning experience would be applied by me in implementing a
business capstone project.
I have also enhanced my knowledge related to writing a research proposal. In this way, I have
learned that the goal of research proposal is to illustrate and justify the requirement to study a
research issue and to demonstrate the practical strategies where the proposed study can be
performed. I have enhanced my learning regarding the approach of writing a research
proposal. In this way, it was pointed out that the researcher should critically examine and
consider the application of different techniques to collect and assess information associated
with the research issue (Arifani, 2016). This learning experience would be applied by me to
effectively write the research proposal in the future.

REFLECTIVE 3
I have also improved my understanding that the researcher should conduct a comprehensive
review of literature for determining that a research problem has not been significantly
identified and has been answered insignificantly. It was addressed that an investigator should
practice addressing the logical phases that should be considered to attain the research goals
(Muret-Wagstaff & Lopreiato, 2019). This experience would be implemented by me in doing
business capstone projects.
Throughout my experience, I have learned that there are some mistakes that should be
avoided in research. These mistakes are failure to be concise, failure to cite landmark works
in literature review as well as, failure to delimit the contextual boundaries of investigation
(Mertler, 2018). I have also enhanced my learning that the researcher should provide too
much detail on minor concerns but not provide adequate detail on major concerns. This
learning experience would be applied by me to avoid mistakes in the future.
I have enhanced my experience related to different sections of research proposal such as
introduction, background and significance, literature review, research design and methods,
preliminary suppositions and implications, and conclusion. This learning experience would
be applied by me in the future to effectively writing about the research proposal.
I have improved my knowledge about the suggested approaches to effectively complete each
element. These elements are introduction, research aims and questions, review of literature,
study design, timeline, and expected results (Orcher, 2016). This learning would be applied
by me to effectively write about the research proposal.
I have developed my understanding of research theory and practices. In this part, I have
learned about research basics, research theory, structuring the research project, research
ethics, as well as, findings and reviewing the literature. This learning experience would be
implemented by me to select an appropriate research method.

REFLECTIVE 4
During my MBA course, I have improved my learning regarding main research methods such
as the nature of data, collecting and analysing secondary data, gathering primary information,
quantitative data analysis, and qualitative data analysis techniques. This learning experience
would be applied by me to effectively collect the data regarding the research concern.
The key challenge for doing business capstone project is the lack of communication with the
advisor (Walliman, 2017). In addition, I have learned that a university professor is busy due
to their different works hence they can give less time to the researcher. In the initial period, it
is significant to have guidance in the research project. I have a lack of adequate guidance as
well as, lack of arrangement to meet with the advisors privately as well as, illustrating the
conditions. For this, there is a need to make regularly scheduled meetings in order to discuss
an investigation on a monthly or quarterly basis (Joyner, Rouse, & Glatthorn, 2018). There
would be a need for one way to perform in around the busy schedule of advisors.
I have also faced a challenge due to a lack of scientific training. I have undertaken the
research work without having an actual understanding regarding research techniques.
Because guides do not create depth understanding regarding different methodologies (Islam,
2019). I have enhanced my experience that before completing the research projects, an
investigator should develop the methodological aspects.
During business capstone project, it was easy for me to communicate with the supervisor.
Although my university professor was busy, he gave me some time to discuss my research
concern. Due to my effective communication skills, I was able to influence my tutor to
interact with me. It is significant to interact with the supervisor in order to clear all doubts
about research concern and to understand what the supervisor is expecting from me and to
learn more related to investigation issues (Shambare, 2019).
I have enhanced my learning regarding time management. Because during business capstone
project, it was difficult for me to manage my time. But, after understanding the coursework, I

REFLECTIVE 5
have learned that researcher should spend ample time to learn the skills as well as, practical
execution in consuming higher time. In such a condition, there is a need to taking time for
intense investigation as well as, drafting a top-notch research paper is becoming insignificant
(Simelane, Klopper, & Lubbe, 2018). This learning experience would be applied by me to
effectively perform a business capstone project.
I have faced challenges due to not having a definite deadline. I have observed that the lack of
deadline has created trouble in completing the project. I have learned that deadlines could
support to get closer to goals. There are different times in which, I was failed for executing
projects on the due date because of leading confusion as well as, inadequate time
management.
It was easy for me for accessing the quantity of literature. I have focused on managing
literature, accessing information that supports the structure of investigation, addressing
keywords and alternative keywords together, constantly focusing on new sources.
It is identified that executing the quality of writing within literature review is essential for the
researcher (Schneider & Fuller, 2018). I have learned that a literature review has to go in
beyond series for references and citations. There is a need to interpret the literature as well as,
be competent to position it within research context. There is a need for care as well as,
measured interpretation along with, writing where I can synthesize and bring together the
resources that I have read (Amin & Saiful, 2016). This learning experience would be applied
by me to effectively complete the research.
I did not need to think about insufficient data. It is addressed that there are different business
development areas related to the opinion where an investigator can misuse the information
offered by them. It can influence the purpose of investigation where, that specific information
could be highly significant (USC libraries, 2020). This learning experience would be applied
by me in doing further business development projects.

REFLECTIVE 6
Before working on the business capstone project, I have a lack of confidence to complete to
goal in a specified time period. Due to my low self-esteem feel, I was less motivated and it
has directly hampered my work quality. I have learned that focus should be either broad or
too narrow. This issue is expected and is prepared to implement the investigation as the
researcher focuses on literature. There is a need to either increase its focus or narrow down
hence an investigation is controllable (Monash University, 2020). I have developed my
understanding that a broader focus for investigation may be narrow down. It includes a
feasible context and focusing on another variable within the research question as well as, by
emphasizing theoretical perspectives (Walliman, 2020). This understanding would be used by
me for enhancing my professional career in the research field.
I have also developed my understanding that library management as well as, functioning is
not satisfactory in different universities. I have perceived that a lot of energy and time is
spent on tracing feasible journals, books as well as, report. There are different libraries that
are not competent to get duplicates of new statements as well as, other publications on the
time.
I did lose sleep over because I have a lack of understanding regarding collecting the data
about research concerns. Hence, I was unable to choose a feasible technique for collecting the
data related to the selected research concerns. My learning experience would be implemented
by me to become good research in the future.
I have developed my knowledge about literature review. In such a manner, I have learned that
literature review is linked to significance as well as background of research. This is part of
the plan that is dedicated to higher thoughtful evaluation as well as, synthesis of the previous
investigation associated with research concern under research.
I have enhanced my understanding related to research design and methods. In this way, I
have learned that this section should be effectively written as well as, rationally managed

REFLECTIVE 7
since it is not essentially performing study yet the reader should have self-assurance which is
value buying. I have enhanced my learning regarding preliminary suppositions and
implications. There is no need to actually conduct the study as well as, assess the outcomes
(Monash University, 2020). It does not indicate I can skip talking regarding the analytical
procedure as well as, potential implications.
I have enhanced my understanding of the timeline. In this way, I have learned that the
timeline depicts to person that the plan could be completed in time of application. I have
enhanced my understanding that the timeline can contain the series of goals that I would
require to achieve for accomplishing all aspects related to the thesis from primary
investigation to final editing as well as, estimated completion date related to each phase. This
learning experience would be applied by me to enhance my professional career.
I have enhanced my understanding that research questions enable the reader a sense of
arguments and findings that may produce responses. I would provide useful feedback on the
direction of an investigation. This learning experience would be applied by me to effectively
complete the business capstone project.
I have developed my knowledge that constructing a clear as well as, emphasized research
question is significant to develop a significant research proposal. Furthermore, I have learned
that there is a need to outline the research direction. I have enhanced my understanding that
question shows exactly what I want to explore as well as, permits the reader in order to
evaluate whether or not my project is feasible. This learning experience would be
implemented by me to improve my professional career.
I have increased my understanding that literature review can summarise, assess, categorize as
well as, contrast the effective works. I have learned that there is no need to cover everything
that has been written on the subject. It was observed that the literature review can clearly
depict the gap and issue that the research project will identify by demonstrating both

REFLECTIVE 8
limitations and strengths of past investigation (USC libraries, 2020). This learning experience
would be applied by me to enhance my personal and professional career.

REFLECTIVE 9
References
Amin, S., & Saiful, A. (2016). Fundamental guidelines for writing an academic research
proposal and some common mistakes. Update Dental College Journal, 6(2), 1-5.
Arifani, Y. (2016). The Implementation of Team-Based Discovery Learning to Improve
Students' Ability in Writing Research Proposal. International Education Studies, 9(2),
111-119.
Islam, M. R. (2019). Designing a Ph.D. Proposal in Qualitative Research. In Social Research
Methodology and New Techniques in Analysis, Interpretation, and Writing (pp. 1-22).
IGI Global.
Joyner, R. L., Rouse, W. A., & Glatthorn, A. A. (2018). Writing the winning thesis or
dissertation: A step-by-step guide. Corwin Press.
Mertler, C. A. (2018). Introduction to educational research. Sage publications.
Monash University. (2020). Writing a research proposal. Retrieved from:
https://www.monash.edu/rlo/graduate-research-writing/write-the-thesis/writing-a-
research-proposal
Muret-Wagstaff, S., & Lopreiato, J. O. (2019). Strategies in Developing a Simulation
Research Proposal. Healthcare Simulation Research (pp. 265-268). Springer, Cham.
Nestel, D., Kunkler, K., Hui, J., Calhoun, A. W., & Scerbo, M. W. (2019). Writing a
Research Proposal for Sponsorship or Funding. Healthcare Simulation Research (pp.
251-255). Springer, Cham.
Orcher, L. T. (2016). Conducting research: Social and behavioral science methods.
Routledge.
Quinlan, C., Babin, B., Carr, J., & Griffin, M. (2019). Business research methods. South-
Western Cengage.

REFLECTIVE 10
Schneider, Z., & Fuller, J. (2018). Writing Research Proposals in the Health Sciences: A
Step-by-step Guide. SAGE.
Shambare, R. (2019). Presenting a Ph.D. research proposal: A guide for commerce
students. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 1-15.
Simelane, N., Klopper, R., & Lubbe, S. (2018). Hands-on Postgraduate Research Proposal
Design. Alternation Journal, 25(1), 295-315.
USC libraries. (2020). Research guides. Retrieved from:
https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/researchproposal
Walliman, N. (2020). Research methods. Retrieved from:
https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/2317618/mod_resource/content/1/BLOCO
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