MBA600 Capstone Reflective Essay: MBA Skills for Career Endeavors

This reflective essay details the learnings and skills acquired during an MBA program, focusing on the capstone subject and consultancy research process. It covers the development of practical, theoretical, communication, and financial management skills, emphasizing the importance of 'knowing, doing, and being' in leadership. The essay reflects on the application of these skills in future career endeavors, highlighting the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience. It further explores the significance of research methods, data analysis, and critical thinking in decision-making, underscoring the MBA program's role in fostering professional grooming and a holistic view of business, from internal operations to economic growth and global challenges.

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Title: Reflective Essay
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Reflective Essay 1
Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Summary of Reflective Capability and Learning, that Includes the Knowing, Being and
Competencies and Four Essential Capstone Skills..........................................................................2
A Personal Reflection on Learning’s from the Capstone Subject and Consultancy Research
Process.............................................................................................................................................5
A Personal Reflection on Skills Developed Over the MBA............................................................8
A Personal Reflection on How These Will Assist in Future Career Endeavors..............................8
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................12
References......................................................................................................................................14

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Introduction
Going through the MBA Capstone workshops during my course, an in-depth
understanding of the subject has given me immense confidence in thinking for solutions
regarding real-world business problems. It has helped me to attain immense skills and
knowledge, which will help me deal with the different challenges will be imposed on me in the
real business world. This assignment has helped me developing strategic management skills,
which can be implemented in achieving an organization goals, by addressing different problems
that an organization facing due to the increasing level of competition in the market. From this
course, I have learned about knowledge utilization and management with the help of different
models, financial management and utilization of effective communication for handling the
different financial issues, and also, the different strategic measures which have to be taken for
gaining a competitive advantage. Therefore, with all these different attributes, I feel that all these
various knowledge and skills will help me massively in the real business world.
Summary of Reflective Capability and Learning that Includes the Knowing,
Being and Competencies, and Four Essential Capstone Skills
The four essential Capstone skills that I have attained from different workshops are –
 Practical knowledge.
 Theoretical knowledge.
 Communication skills.
 Financial management skills.

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These four important skills are the most essential ones which need to be mastered and to be
implemented for effective decision making.
With the help of Theoretical Knowledge, I learned about the different business models and
business analytical tools. The business model like “two and two matrix” (Dawes, 2019) and the
“structural equation model”, both helped in understanding the different pillars of business,
especially e-businesses, which are excelling in the current market (Erdogan, 2019). Through the
theoretical knowledge, I attain knowledge about the different aspects which can be utilized for
building cost-effective strategies, as in the current working scenario of business, it is paramount
to formulate strategies that help in saving cost, which can be utilized during the time of
emergency or other activities, especially marketing. The other model that helped me in
understanding the target market that is “Bell Curve Model” (Chillakuri, 2018). This model can
also be utilized in the future for managing the intense competition in the market.
Practical Knowledge attained through “the framework of organizational knowledge” and its
two main aspects that are “static substance knowledge” and “dynamic business knowledge”, both
helped me understand the different aspects like vision and mission of an organization and how
they play a crucial role in fulfilling the organization’s objectives (Rai, 2011). The biggest
practical knowledge which I attained from this course is the increasing utilization of social media
for expanding the organization on the global level.
I realized the importance of communication skills, during the process of attaining
knowledge about financial management. In addition to this, I realized that communication plays
a crucial role in increasing the level of transparency in an organization which helps in reducing
the level of confusion. The communication skills will help in conducting different processes of

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the organization smoothly and will also help in developing a good working environment in the
organization. With communication skills, I also attained knowledge about Financial
Management, which is one of the biggest attributes that will help me in creating a niche for
myself in the business world.
Academic studies are focused on subject-related expertise of the relevant academic
discipline. These are basically theory-based studies which eventually will not help in real life
business decision-making and problem-solving skills in practice. The transition from the
academic training to professional life is not at all easy. Practical hands-on experience with the
process is required to acquire knowledge. Until and unless we are handling dynamic and
complex situations where “knowing”, “doing” and “being” can be distinguished as the three
inter-associated fields of competence (Jacobs, 2016).
The competence aspect of knowing relates to the concepts and theories that are needed
for successful management of organizations.
The competence aspect of doing relates to the practical application of specialization in
real situations or exemplary.
The competence field of being associated with personal values and objectives and also,
self-reflection (Noone, 2017).
With all these different attributes will help me in becoming a strong leader and in the
future, I will be able to utilize an effective leadership style according to the different
circumstances. Along with this, in the future I have to continuously modify and update my
knowledge and skills, as with the changing time this will be extremely crucial. Thus, as a leader,

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an individual cannot have a stagnant life and therefore, there is a need for continuous evolution
(Fan, 2016).
A Personal Reflection on Learning’s from the Capstone Subject and
Consultancy Research Process
From the learning gained from undertaking the capstone subject and assessments, I have
learned quite elaborately regarding research methods and data analysis. Data is not only for
research purposes, but it also plays a vital role in the day to day operations. The firms using data
diligently performs substantially well than other firms.
Different research and analysis projects require a different type of analysis. This research
is needed for improving the approaches which can help in incorporating the new trends in the
market, in addressing the different issues imposed by the macro and microenvironmental factors,
and also, to address the new increasing needs of the customers (Inamdar and Roldan, 2013). The
main importance of the research is to formulate a better business plan, which identified all the
uncertainties associated with the new project and their impact on the success of the project
(Hügelschäfer and Achtziger, 2017).
Primary data is direct evidence about an event or activity and secondary data is
considered as recycled as it essentially fetches information from pre-existing research (Zavadska
and Morales, 2018). Few examples of primary data are - Opinion polls, surveys, experiments,
archeological artifacts, etc. and examples of secondary data are – Government reports, Weather
forecasts, Reference books, internet, etc.
Some of the research methodologies-

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a) Pure Research
b) Applied Research
c) Exploratory Research
d) Descriptive Research
e) Diagnostic Research
f) Evaluation Study
g) Action Research
The selection of data method depends on the main research problem and the main objective
of the research. Therefore, in such a situation, there is a requirement for selecting the appropriate
research method and its style, as various research problems require specific tools for accurate
results. But this should be noted, that though the selected method is a methodol`ogical choice,
but it is interlinked with the assumptions and also theories which were utilized on the starting
point (Fung, 2012).
The different research methods that are selected for analyzing a problem can be further
divided into the qualitative method and quantitative method. This will help in gaining a better
understanding of the results obtained. Both these methods are used in a different manner and
also, the results obtained are different. For instance, qualitative method is used for examining
opinions and thoughts, whereas, quantitative method is used for a mathematical result (Ashe-
Edmunds, 2019).
In today’s working environment, there is a crucial need for innovation. The increasing need
for innovation helps the students and future decision makers to think widely. With the help of
“Thinking out of the box” better decision making can be practiced. And helps in making accurate

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conclusions. These future decision makers should adapt themselves to think out of the box and
make wise decisions by taking a critical and crucial thinking approach(Dondlinger and Wilson,
2012). Critical thinking is a process which is conducted in a systematical manner. I have come to
believe that this process is always done conducted in a systematical manner. And we should
always be open to new opinions.
The decision maker has a prime role and that is to always make decisions which offer
maximum benefits. Such a decision made to avoid the possibility of losses. Critical theory
process has specific discovered possibilities and it has several effects on people associated with
it. Such an approach help in finalizing a decision having the most positive effects on a large
number of people(Joshi and Kulkarni, 2012).
As Lew & Schmidt, 2011 research showed that the decision maker does not feel
pressure due to personal emotions. This help in making a conclusion with effective leadership.
Such research help decision maker to make a decision, which is powerful and extremely
effective. If a decision maker has an adverse attitude to the one mentioned above, then the self-
analysis decision can result extremely destructive.
As a future decision maker, any decision which may be Personal or professional, critical
thinking is important for all the taken decisions. It holds immense importance in decision
making. One finds its strengths and weaknesses while learning about various critical concepts
and theories (Ahmed, 2018). Making use of them in my personal life. Strength help in decision
making in the future and providing great opportunities. Knowing strengths help me in making
them greater and about the fact they one should not lose them. Meanwhile, it helps in working on
our weaknesses(Martin and Coy, 2017). For a professional decision maker, the time-consuming
method is extremely important. A future manager should know the importance of time.

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Knowing the importance of time help me in controlling the situations and in my temper.
We should also utilize my personal feelings and emotions. This helps in implementing further
actions. Such is crucial for persuading and influencing approach. For great future development,
one should continuously work on their strengths too(Raven, 2014).
A Personal Reflection on Skills Developed Over the MBA
The MBA program has helped me to develop insightful knowledge about various aspects
of professional activities. Working on different projects has helped me approaching different
issues from different viewpoints. Database management, processes, controls, generating
revenues have helped to result in a more conducive approach towards different issues.
Being a Mechanical Engineer I have developed an eye for the technical aspects of
different issues. MBA added new vision to understand the business and economics aspect, have a
deep knowledge of the business cycles, the different variables that are used to calculate growth
and GDP and how different economies react to the different environments. I have gained an
insight to recognize both financial and non-financial measurement and thus enabling better
quality decision making about new or existing projects.
I have gained knowledge regarding all the relevant subjects during the MBA program.
This knowledge has helped in my professional grooming and also helped me to look beyond
balance sheets and cash flow statements and take into account the most important part of any
organization, its human resources. MBA program gives us a holistic view of business, from
internal departments in a company to their connection to economic growth and world challenges.
It involves strategic thinking to decode the traits of a constantly evolving market and the ever-
changing trends of customer needs. The variety of work in the workplace which I am going to
face I have understood how to address them. All this helps the students to improve professional

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qualities. I have learned how to tackle interdepartmental activities and wrongdoings, I have also
learned how to spot the loopholes departments and how to repair them properly. This helps in
improved professionalism. This understanding of interdepartmental activity and how to deal with
them will make my job easier due to all the knowledge gained during my MBA studies.
The skills I have developed over the MBA have helped me to apply my academic acumen
in the practical field. My job has helped to process data into information, MBA imparts the
knowledge to understand information to form opinions, judgment and take quality decisions in
critical periods. This knowledge created by different employees crystallizes to form an
invaluable asset of the knowledge system of the organization. The major quality a student
develops is the application of theoretical knowledge and concepts in practical situations. MBA
program teaches us various financial measurement tools to understand the state of the business
through which we can predict the risk of corporate failures. This increases the potential of
students to participate in different scenarios. The MBA program helps in understanding the
theoretical knowledge in the most efficient way. Such understanding is not only useful in
professional life but also gives a proper practical and workable strategies required. The program
trains the students to see the organization as a whole and to align the company’s activities to
ensure long term success of the organization. The characteristic of a personal trait is a blind spot
and it needs to be observed. My course has helped me to understand the organizational work
environment and how to get the best out of it. The employees get involved with the work and
situation naturally which results in a successful final outcome. The MBA program has helped to
grow my team working abilities. Here I got involved in team programs which evolved my team
working skills. During the MBA programs, the students are distributed into small groups in class

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and different topics are assigned to them for assignments. Apart from these students also form
informal
study groups. Students study the case study relation and complete their assignments and thesis.
According to NRICH the goal of depending on the other and the resource interdependence both
contribute to increasing and developing team working skills. Decision-making abilities are
another spectrum we have given emphasize. Any decision needed a proper understanding of the
external and internal environment and without any proper specific knowledge results in
indecisiveness. Such researches help to increase confidence. This has helped me to develop my
team bonding and building abilities. The MBA program has shown me the way to build my
confidence in every aspect. This increased confidence effectively builds teams. After the MBA
program completion, it has been observed that students are easily able to explain the ideas in
their minds to the team. This confidence has helped me to incorporate my knowledge of the
subject practically in the required fields. Teamwork, Leadership abilities, time management,
corporate ethics and solving critical situation has helped me to grow as a perfect professional
who can deliver when needed. The skills developed by me helped me a lot to apply my acumen
in a practical context. As a student of Mechanical Engineering, I have learned the scientific and
technical aspects of different issues. MBA added leadership, networking and time management
skills with these. MBA programs create knowledgeable persons who are able to analyze business
situations quickly and resolve crises. Case studies and internship give MBA students the skills
necessary to approach challenges with equanimity.
Thanks to my practical classes, they also made me street smart. I have learned how to
manage the challenges they would face in leading and motivating their coworkers in their future

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business organizations. I have been equipped to think differently and find a way to “just get the
job done.”

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A Personal Reflection on How These Will Assist in Future Career Endeavors
The skills I have developed, Communication skills, Leadership skills, Networking skills,
Problem-solving skills and Time Management skills will help me in my future career endeavors.
I will be able to submit strategic solutions to critical situations. In every branch, critical thinking
is one of the major crucial and important skill of employees which is considered before the
employment. It is said that critical thinking skills are necessary for the future success of any
organization. Earning an MBA is not the end of one's learning journey; it adds to one's
invaluable working experience, creates lifelong networks and challenges mind with new
knowledge, consolidates existing ones and potentially enables one to create new knowledge and
ideas.
As stated by the scholars, the huge difference lies between Personal and social life
problems. Organization centerline, of course, draws towards social life problems. It concerns a
large amount of audience towards itself.
Such researching helps in working well together of the employees. It’s a proven way to
test Ideas. It helps in leading a group while making a perfect solid decision. This helps in
impressing the stakeholders and supervisors in a good way. Such leadership doesn’t mean to
impart their position on them and make them do unnecessary work. But it is about making sure
that the voice of every idea is heard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I want to address that with the help of his assignment, I came to know all
the situations and their respective attributes in depth. During my MBA program, I came to
understand the importance of critical thinking. And the fact that how is this so important in

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taking the right decisions. Critical thinking and research are really important for my future
career. I can utilize all the things I learned through this phase in making correct decisions for my
future. Keeping everything aside, this assignment helped me in recognizing my strength and
weaknesses. I came to know the bad and goods of me and what can be their impact on my future.
For being a successful leader, one should have high general knowledge. His subject knowledge,
energy, commitment, and the ability to maintain their contact with the people. The MBA
program offers every necessary skill which is needed to be a great leader. I now know the
importance of researches and critical thinking. And how I can implement my personal and
professional life in different ways.

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