Managing a Successful Business Project: John Lewis Report Analysis

This report presents a detailed analysis of a business project focused on John Lewis, a UK-based department store chain. The project investigates the impact of new product development on the company's profitability. It begins with an introduction to globalization and its influence on business opportunities, specifically within the context of John Lewis's introduction of new shoes during London Fashion Week. The report outlines the project's aims and objectives, including determining the concept of new product development in the global market, identifying benefits for John Lewis, and assessing the influence on profitability. A project management plan is developed, covering costs, time, quality, risk, communication, resources, and scope. A work breakdown structure and Gantt chart are also included to visualize the project's timeline and tasks. The research methodology section details the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as primary and secondary data collection techniques. The report analyzes the collected data and provides recommendations for the company. Finally, a reflection on the researcher's journey and learning is presented.

Managing A Successful
Business Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................1
TASK 1...............................................................................................................................1
P1 Project aims and objectives.................................................................................1
P2 Develop a project management plan...................................................................2
P3 Develop work break down structure and Gantt chart..........................................3
TASK 2...............................................................................................................................6
P4 Qualitative and quantitative research methods for appropriate aims and objectives
...................................................................................................................................6
TASK 3...............................................................................................................................9
P5 Evaluate research and data with appropriate technique and tool......................9
P6 Recommendation...............................................................................................18
TASK 4.............................................................................................................................18
P7 Reflection...........................................................................................................18
CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................19
REFERENCES................................................................................................................20
APPENDIX I.....................................................................................................................21
APPENDIX II....................................................................................................................23
Template for Performance Review to be attached with the report by the learner:..........23

INTRODUCTION
Globalisation is considered as the procedure of integration in which two or more
companies interact with each other for enhancing their business in effective manner.
Globalisation brings numerous of business opportunities for the business which not only
enhances their market share but also maximises their profitability. This present
investigation is based on John Lewis, a chain of department stores which are being
operated within United Kingdom only. The company was incorporated in the year 1864
and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom and SW. The company is introducing
new shoe in London Fashion Week which is going to be executed in 16th to 20th
February in which maximum number of companies are participating for representing
their products. The assignment covers formulation of effective aims, objectives, and
project management plan and research methodology. It also conducts data analysis and
provides recommendation on the same to the company. At last, it provides reflection of
the overall journey of the researcher which shows their learning to the presented
audience.
TASK 1
P1 Project aims and objectives
Background of Project: John Lewis is the high end department store which
provides offering across United Kingdom. The store was initially opened in Oxford
Street, London which further expanded to total number of 51 stores within the England,
Wales and Scotland. It has been analysed that company is focusing on introducing new
product in London Fashion Week. In this regard, manager of the company has hired
researcher in order to improve their knowledge on globalisation as well as it possible
consequences which might influence company's business operations negatively at the
time of introduction of new shoes in London Fashion Week dated as 16th February to
20th February 2019 in order to sell it to the other related industry representatives who
have attended the specific event(Ahmed Dine Rabeh Jimenez-Jimenez and Martínez-
Costa 2013)In this regard, investigator has formulated specific aims and objective for
the given scenario which will contribute in leading the whole project effectively. Both the
aims and objectives are described as below:
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Research aim
The research aim for the current investigation is “To analyse the influence of new
product development over profitability of business” A case study on John Lewis.
Research Objectives
 To determine the concept of new product development at global market place.
 To ascertain various benefits of new product development for John Lewis that
leads to business success.
 To determine how new product development can influence profitability of John
Lewis.
Research Questions
 What is the concept of new product development at global market place?
 What are the various benefits of new product development for John Lewis that
leads to business success?
 How new product development can influence profitability of John Lewis?
Literature Review
Concept of new product development
On the basis of thoughts given by Incelli, (2013) New product development is
considered as process of developing new product and introducing it at marketplace
effectively. This concept is mainly used by business organisations for fulfilling
customers needs with the changing time and also gaining available opportunities at
marketplace effectively. It has been analysed that competition at international
marketplace is increasing day by day. This directly influences interest of companies
towards introducing some new products that attracts customers interest towards them
and also make them connected as well as loyal towards the company for longer period
of time. This concept also helps business organisation in retaining existing customers
and attracting new one as consumers are able to experience new services which satisfy
their needs and wants.
Various benefits of new product development for John Lewis
According to the view point of Lintan, I., (2019), it has been analysed that new
product development is an effective strategy and initiative of the company which
supports them in gaining numerous of benefits at market. Business organisation
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belonging to retail industry are using this concept of new product development at
regular basis for sustaining longer at marketplace and approaching more number of
customers. The main benefits that would be gained by large scale companies of retail
industry like John Lewis by using new product development are contributes in gaining
competitive advantage, improves reputation of company and attracts more customers.
All of them are seen as growth booster of the company. Among them all improvement in
reputation of John Lewis is seen as main benefit of new product development as o9f
company introduces any new product at marketplace their brand recognition increases
which places positive influence over their brand reputation too.
Influence of new product development on profitability of John Lewis
As per the vision given by Shang, (2012) development of new product in every
industry helps them in improving their performance at marketplace. It has been
analysed that if large scale companies like John Lewis introduces any new product at
marketplace then it simply helps them in influencing interest of customers towards them
which increases their profitability effectively at marketplace. This is because, if large
scale companies introduces any new product they simply enhances brand recognition
that leads to increase in sales performance of the company. As a result, it can be said
that sales of company directly improves profitability of the John Lewis.
P2 Develop a project management plan
It is a documentation plan which is designed to describe each and every activity
of a project. Through 0project management plan an organisation can achieve their
objective. With the help of this plan an organisation can provide guideline to their
employee related to the timing of each activity. How much time is taken by each activity
(Crane and Matten 2016). What is the correct time to start and finish of activity. All
information is provided by this. There are some factors and those are describe as.
 Cost: cost is value of money which h is needed in a project to launch any new
products. The researcher prepare a budget to execute there project. When John
Lewis want to launch new products in the market, before launching analyses the
whole market. Investigator expect 55000 pound as total cost of expenses and on
other hand the cost to competing project is approx. 66000 pound.
3

Activities Amount (£)
Travel 5450
Research Equipment 15500
Research material 16000
Salary 10000
Phone Bills 50
Miscellaneous expenditure 8000
Total 55000
 Time: It is the important aspect of each activity. All activities are start and end
accounting to the timing. According to the researcher, it is analysed that this
research take time approx. 2 months.
 Quality: It is the only thing which differentiate the product among competitive
market. Provide good quality with high range is also increaser the scarification
level. It is the only way to build a strong brand image. According to the
researcher if an organisation provide a high quality product with the customer’s
comforter. Those customer use it and build brand loyalty with the particular
organisation.
 Risk: it is basis of every business. When an enter-pruner launching a new
product in market than there is more risk reeled to the product. According to the
researches it is founded that there are risk related to the customers need and
requirement. Researcher is also focus on the manpower, shortage of fund etc.
in end of research the proper outcome is necessary.
 Communication: it is the only way through which a manager provided direction
to their employees. Motivation and confidence is totally depends on the
communication. A researcher is deal in a day with different people. It is not
necessary that communication is all about face to face communication. Online
chat, email, direct call is also included in this Resources. It is basically related to
the growth and motivation of employee. Many resources like manpower, money.
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According to the researcher it is analysed that valid information to research
related with their topic.
 Scope: launching a new product in the market is also effective for the business.
It is increase the productivity of as well as growth of the organisation. According
to researcher scope is provided on a big scale. It is profitable to launching a new
product after an accurate informat5uion about market and product.
P3 Develop work break down structure and Gantt chart
Gantt chart
It is tool invented by Henry Gantt, mainly used for production control. It is
basically a horizontal bar graph reflecting, activities needed to get performed on its
vertical axis and time intervals for performing these activities on horizontal axis. Width of
bars are showing time duration taken for performing each activity (Den Hertog and De
Jong 2010). It is mainly used to ensure timely completion of work and also provides help
in more effective team management. It provide percentage of task completed which
helps in getting timely status of work done and left. It provide time to take corrective
action by regularly updating about work in progress, delayed and pending task.
5

6

Work break down structure
A Work Breakdown Structure is a tool that organises work of a team into
manageable actions. It is used for organising the work of a project. Basically, its usage
can be seen in complex and multi-layer projects which is used to divide large amount of
work into small groups. This works is assigned in a hierarchy form of structure among
different teams which in return results in making overall management easy (Eckerson
2010) All elements which are mutually exclusive in WBS.
TASK 2
P4 Qualitative and quantitative research methods for appropriate aims and objectives
It is deigned to analogised methods which is useful in research by the
investigator. Research is classified into two parts which is used by the researcher, those
two research methods are as following.
Qualitative: Qualitative methods is important for the researcher. Through this
method they only consider that information which have good quality, evidence are also
describe in that as well as valid facts and theoretical presentation also provided in this.
This method is totally based on the behaviour of individual. There is no need of more
information.
7

Quantitative: This qualitative method is deigned to analysis and collect
information in statically and numerical terms. For this researcher required a lot of
information. It is used to find a batter result in the end of this research. Through this
method they can find solution in an effective manner.
Above these two methods researches mostly prefer qualitative method. Because
through this method they find good quality of information which is based on valid facts. It
is not any analysis. It is valid result.
'Data collection:
It is the collection of the information which is uses in the research. Data collection
method is also divided into two parts and those are as following.
Primary: This method collect accurate information. This method is also known as
the first hand method. Through using various methods like conducting survey,
interviews and questionnaire all information is collected. This data is not provided
anywhere. Researcher mostly use this methods because it provide accurate
information. It consume time and money.
Secondary: This method is known as the second hand method because in this
method all information is easily available on internet, newspaper and imagines etc. this
is a easy method where information is provided by someone eels. It is uses by
researcher in the situation time shortage.
In this research, the researcher used primary and secondary methods which is
uses in data collection. In primary research all the question is related to the research
topic. On other hand secondary method is also uses which provide information related
to the research, artistic of different authors.
Questionnaire
Q 1) Are you aware with the concept of new product development?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 2) Do you think new product development help John Lewis in attracting more
number of customers?
a) Agree
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b) Disagree
Q 3) As per your perception, which one is the main benefit of new product development
which leads to business growth of John Lewis?
a) Attracts more customers
b) Improves reputation of company
c) Contributes in gaining competitive advantage
Q 4) Do you think, new product development influences profitability of John Lewis?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q 5) According to your vision, does customers will accept launch of new shoes
presented by John Lewis in fashion week?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 6) Do you think, social media will be best marketing tool through which promotion of
new shoe can be effectively done?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q 7) Which one is the main factor that is required to focus by John Lewis while
launching new shoe?
a) High quality
b) affordable prices
c) Easy to access
Q 8) Provide recommendation to John Lewis through which they can easily launch new
shoe in London fashion week.
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10

TASK 3
P5 Evaluate research and data with appropriate technique and tool
Theme 1: Concept of new product development
Q 1) Are you aware with the concept of new product
development?
Frequency
a) Yes 4
b) No 2
Interpretation: New product development refers to introduction of completely
new commodity from the company. Business organizations mainly introduces new
products in order to grab attention of customers and maximize their products effectively.
According to the above described graph, it has been analyzed that 4 people have
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shown up their positive influence towards the statement as they have studied about this
concept on internet. On the other hand, leftover 2 people have said that this topic is
completely new for them as they have not heard about this in their past life.
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Theme 2: New product development help John Lewis in attracting more number
of customers
Q 2) Do you think new product development help John Lewis
in attracting more number of customers?
Frequency
a) Agree 5
b) Disagree 1
Interpretation: Development of new product is considered as the best thing for every
organization as it helps them influencing interest of customers. This is because,
whenever customers gets new option at market place they automatically feels attracted
and tries to purchase that product in order to check its quality. On the basis of above
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described pie graph, it has been seen that 5 people thinks that yes introduction of new
product done by john Lewis will attract more customer towards the company. This is
because, these respondents believes every new product influences customers to use it
and gain new experience with the same. Whereas, leftover 1 person from the total of 6
has denied to the same thought because according to them it is difficult for the
customers to trust any new product when they are already satisfied with the existing
one. Therefore, according to these customers they do not feel that new product
development help John Lewis in attracting more number of customers
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Theme 3: Main benefit of new product development which leads to business
growth of John Lewis
Q 3) As per your perception, which one is the main benefit of
new product development which leads to business growth of
John Lewis?
Frequency
a) Attracts more customers 3
b) Improves reputation of company 3
c) Contributes in gaining competitive advantage 0
Interpretation: New product development provides various kind of benefits to
the company. All of them basically leads to the business growth of the organization.
With reference to John Lewis, it has been analyzed that the main benefits of new
product development are Improves reputation of company, Attracts more customers and
Contributes in gaining competitive advantage. As per the above described graph, it has
been analyzed that it has been seen that all of the respondents are giving quite similar
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kind of response towards the questions. In this, 3 people thinks that main benefit of new
product development for John Lewis is that it attracts new customers. This is because
every customer’s feels attracted to new products because it gives them new experience.
Whereas, another 3 have specified that essential benefit of introducing new product is
that it improves reputation of company because it increase number of products in the
product portfolio list. On the other hand, remaining none among the 6 respondents
have expressed that it helps John Lewis in gaining competitive advantage because they
have more number of quality products in comparison of its competitors.
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Theme 4: Influence of new product development on profitability of John Lewis
Q 4) Do you think, new product development influences
profitability of John Lewis?
Frequency
a) Strongly agree 2
b) Agree 2
C) Neither agree or disagree 1
D) Disagree 1
E) Strongly disagree 0
Interpretation: Introduction of new product at market place helps business
organization in improving their business performance in terms of profitability. On the
basis of above described pie graph, it has been observed that 2 respondents have
strongly agreed and 2 agreed to the same statement as they thinks when company
introduces any new product their sales performance increases. This ultimately
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enhances their profitability ratio. Whereas, leftover 1 respondent among the total of 6
has neither agreed or disagreed and 1 disagree to the same thought because they
believes that if any new product is introduced by the company then they have to spend
high amount on its launching too. None of the 6 responded strongly disagree .This
increases expenses of the john Lewis as a result it might impact over the profitability of
company in negative manner because they amount is being used in other areas too.
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Theme 5: Customers will accept launch of new shoes presented by John Lewis in
London fashion week
Q 5) According to your vision, does customers will accept
launch of new shoes presented by John Lewis in London
fashion week?
Frequency
a) Yes 6
b) No 0
Interpretation: While asking about the acceptance of new shoe launched by
John Lewis in London fashion Week, it has been analyzed that respondents have
shown their different perception towards the customers’ acceptance. On the basis of
above described pie graph, it has been seen that 6 people have expressed that “yes”
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they believes that customers will easily accept this new shoes because they believes
John Lewis has good brand name at market place which easily convinces customers to
accept the products. Whereas, None of the respondents have said that customer will
not accept new shoe launch presented by John Lewis because they thinks that this
company can only offer good product in clothing section. Therefore, if company will
launch any shoes then there are probable chances that customers might not accept the
same product.
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Theme 6: Social media will be best marketing tool through which promotion of
new shoe can be effectively done
Q 6) Do you think, social media will be best marketing tool
through which promotion of new shoe can be effectively
done?
Frequency
a) Agree 6
b) Disagree 0
Interpretation: On the basis of above described pie graph, it has been observed
that all 6 responded are in favor of the fact that, social media will be best marketing tool
through which promotion of new shoe can be done effectively. The reason behind this is
that social media provides greater access to target market and it makes easy to
approach the potential customer, also reduces the cost of excessive advertisement.
None of the individuals disagreed with the usefulness of social media in for marketing of
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new shoe as they consider that lack of education or absence of proper or adequate
resources to reach the social media could restrain people from getting information about
new variety of shoes of company.
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Theme 7: Main factor that is required to focus by John Lewis while launching new
shoe
Q 7) Which one is the main factor that is required to focus by
John Lewis while launching new shoe?
Frequency
a) High quality 4
b) Affordable prices 2
c) Easy to access 0
Interpretation: As per the above mentioned pie chart, it can be said that different
individuals support or give importance to different aspects while buying a shoe. 4 people
focused on quality as they are more prone to quality as for them, comfort, texture,
features, material used and its look also have significant importance. 2 individuals
consider price as they think that people belonging to middle class or economically
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weaker sections can also acquire such offerings like shoes. None of people ease of
access is a primary aspect as maximum availability of product reduces the time and
energy for people to acquire the mew shoe.
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Analysis of primary and secondary data
On the basis of above made discussion on Primary and Secondary data, it has
been analyzed that primary data and secondary have matched at many section. It has
been seen that Literature Review section depicts that large scale companies like John
Lewis directly attracts customers after launching new product at marketplace at the
same time, finding of primary data also depicts that new product development attracts
customers. Along with this, primary data also states that new product development
enhances profitability of company as it gets attention of maximum number of customers.
In the same manner, as mentioned in literature review section, it has been seen that it
increases profitability of the company in effectively.
P6 Recommendation
On the basis of above research conducted upon John Lewis, it can be said that
the respective organization can easily introduce the new range of shoes by considering
the following recommendations:-
 John Lewis is a well renowned organisation which is entering into foreign market
with its new range of shoe, thus it is advised that the company should invest in
promotional activities. This can be done with the help of hiring a marketing
executive who possess adequate knowledge about the activities and trends of
country (Incelli 2013).
 Before entering into a foreign market, the organisation is suggested to gain
comprehensive knowledge of the marketing conditions of that country. It should
focus on current strategies and policies prevailing in marketplace. This will help
John Lewis to market the new product more easily.
 A proper marketing strategy and plan should be developed by John Lewis for
increasing sales post the introduction of new range of shoes within marketplace.
For this, entity should have proper knowledge of their target customers as this
will help in smooth functioning of marketing activities for new product.
It is recommended that the entity should be aware of competitors and the
products that they are selling in order to launch the new range of shoe more effectively
within London Fashion Week.
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TASK 4
P7 Reflection
From the overall analysis of mine from this project, it can be said that I have
faced many issues and problems when launching a new product and services in new
market in the global area I require to analyzing the whole market like what is
requirement of customer before launching new product in the market. But, at the same
time I have learn many skills and developed my knowledge too which will help me in
improving my research skills and also contribute in conducting more better research in
future. While conducting this research, the main difficulty which have been experienced
by me was to identify which sources and articles were relevant to my study and which
were not. This is because, it was difficult for me to check that analyze relevancy of data.
This became major problem for me. But, with the passing time and my continuous
based efforts have made me learn research and analytical skills. This developed skills
will also help me out in conducting more better research in future. It is this strategy to
launch new product in London fashion week because through this strategy organization
can attract more customs by the product. I need to analysis the acquirement of
customer which increase the demand of a product. Culture, nature of customer,
behavior, habit and many other things which increase the buying behavior, so analysis
of these things is necessary. But it is analyzed from experience that launching a new
product on global level is a desire goal. Through this organization can build a strong
brand image.
CONCLUSION
In this described report, it can be analyses that success of this project is not that
much easy. In this report many complicated situation and activities was faces.
Communication, transport and technology is much better on global level. This process
helps to sealing products and services on global level. There are some documents
which require to develop, describe, coordination of serious functions and activities.
When I was conducting this project, it is necessary to focus on research methodology.
Uses of data is totally depends on the quality and requirement of the research. So it is
important to use correct information at all times
26

REFERENCES
Books and Journal
Ahmed Dine Rabeh, H., Jimenez-Jimenez, D. and Martínez-Costa, M., 2013. Managing
knowledge for a successful competence exploration. Journal of Knowledge
Management. 7(2). pp.195-207.
Crane, A. and Matten, D., 2016. Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and
sustainability in the age of globalization. Oxford University Press.
Den Hertog, P., Van der Aa, W. and De Jong, M. W., 2010. Capabilities for managing
service innovation: towards a conceptual framework. Journal of service
Management. 21(4). pp.490-514.
Eckerson, W. W., 2010. Performance dashboards: measuring, monitoring, and
managing your business. John Wiley & Sons.
Gebauer, H., Edvardsson, B. and Bjurko, M., 2010. The impact of service orientation in
corporate culture on business performance in manufacturing companies.
Journal of Service Management. 21(2). pp.237-259.
Incelli, E., 2013. Managing discourse in intercultural business email interactions: a case
study of a British and Italian business transaction. Journal of Multilingual and
Multicultural Development. 34(6). pp.515-532.
Jones, G. and Lubinski, C., 2012. Managing Political Risk in Global Business:
Beiersdorf 1914–1990. Enterprise & Society. 13(1). pp.85-119.
Kankaanranta, A. and Planken, B., 2010. BELF competence as business knowledge of
internationally operating business professionals. The Journal of Business
Communication (1973). 47(4). pp.380-407.
Lai, J.Y. and Ong, C.S., 2010. Assessing and managing employees for embracing
change: A multiple-item scale to measure employee readiness for e-business.
Technovation. 30(1). pp.76-85.
Lin, A. and Chen, N.C., 2012. Cloud computing as an innovation: Percepetion, attitude,
and adoption. International Journal of Information Management. 32(6). pp.533-
540.
Shang, S.S., 2012. Dual strategy for managing user resistance with business integration
systems. Behaviour & Information Technology. 31(9). pp.909-925.
Smith, A.D., 2011. Successfully managing manufacturing supplier integration and
procurement issues: case studies in recessionary environments. International
Journal of Procurement Management. 4(2). pp.121-138.
Smith, W.K., Binns, A. and Tushman, M. L., 2010. Complex business models:
Managing strategic paradoxes simultaneously. Long range planning. 43(2).
pp.448-461.
Online
Linton, I., 2019. The Benefits & Risks of a Product Development Strategy. [Online]. Available
Through: <https://smallbusiness.chron.com/benefits-risks-product-development-
strategy-73728.html>.
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APPENDIX I LOGBOOK
Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by the learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation:
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Date:
Update of weekly research/ tasks achieved
(Account for a minimum of six weeks with
dates)
 What have you completed?
 Did you fulfil Task requirements?
 Are you on track and within deadlines
set?
 Did you need to make any changes to
your project management plan?
Comments
I have completed project on “To analyse the
influence of new product development over
profitability of business” A case study on
John Lewis..
Yes
yes
no
Any risks and / or issues identified?
 Did you identify risks/issues with a lack
of skills required for undertaking
research tasks?
 Did you identify any additional
risks/issues that have an impact on the
project management plan?
Issues faced related to time and cost.
No
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Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
Difficulty faced while coordinating with team
members
I have participated in numerous of team
building activities in order to improve my
relationship with them.
New Ideas and change of project direction I need 3 more weeks for completing
investigation.
What Have I learnt about myself this week? How did I feel when I had to deal with
tasks/problems? Did I find it useful to complete the tasks? How well have I performed? What did I
contribute?
 What can I improve on next week?

 How might this learning apply in the
future?
I felt unsatisfied.
Yes
I have with my best possible efforts and
contributed by extra time in the work.
I can improve my team working skills next
week.
Overall learning will help in conducting more
better result in future,.
Tasks planned for next week Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
Collect authentic information
Yes
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