Reflective Essay on Business Strategy: Course BO1BSRE301

This reflective essay analyzes the student's learning experience in a business strategy course, focusing on key theories such as Mintzberg's five P's of strategy. The essay explores the practical application of these theories, particularly within a management context, and reflects on the value of classroom discussions and mock interviews in enhancing understanding and confidence. The student also examines the role of online resources, like the International Journal of Business Strategy, in supplementing course material. Furthermore, the essay identifies areas for personal improvement, such as building confidence and teamwork skills, to become a more effective strategic leader. The student concludes by emphasizing the course's contribution to equipping individuals with practical business knowledge and the importance of continuous learning and self-assessment.

REFLECTIVE ESSAY 1
< University>
Business strategy
By
<Your Name>
<Date>
< Lecturer's Name and Course Number>

REFLECTIVE ESSAY 2
Business strategy
Introduction
It sometimes seems complicated to understand various things, not until one takes time to
focus on them and undergo them. Business strategy is one of the things that had never even
crossed my mind. The Business field is a great thing that is one of a kind. On the other side,
business strategy is one excellent course that gives an insight into the business world. The deeper
one researches about it, the more it becomes interesting (Caramela, 2018). This paper reflects the
theories taught in business strategy, and the in-class activities carried out by students, the online
resources accessed during the course and the areas in need of improvement.
There are numerous theories taught in the course of business strategy. Mintzberg's
general theory of strategy is one of the most exciting theories. Under this theory, Henry
Mintzberg, a Canadian management scientist, distinguished five organizational visions for
strategy. Mintzberg named them the five P's, and these include Plan, Ploy, Position, Pattern, and
Perspective (Caramela, 2018). With these components, an organization can quickly develop and
implement a beneficial and efficient strategy. One can learn numerous things from this theory.
First, the theory recommends breaking down of responsibilities and roles in any business
management to simplify tasks and complex concepts. As a result, companies can develop an
efficient culture that enables every employee to develop his or her skills (Moore, 2011). One can
also learn the appropriate way to apply the 5 P. This is because their application can help a
company develop, evaluate, and implement a more effective and efficient strategy that can
facilitate achievements of its set goals. As said by different people, the University is the
appropriate place for someone to find him or herself. I believe that this statement is very

REFLECTIVE ESSAY 3
authentic since this place is where several students discover what they are going to be in the
future. Through exposing one to a higher depth level in the business world, one can quickly
discover what he or she truly enjoys (Wolf & Floyd, 2013). In the previous years, I was part of
numerous classes, including entrepreneur and accounting classes. However, I used not feel very
lively. But in business strategy classes, I feel more like being in the real world of business.
For an individual in the position of manager at a workplace, there are several areas where
he or she can apply this theory. First, he or she can apply the first P of strategy, that is to say,
Plan to give clear instructions and directions to his or her subordinates towards achieving the set
target (Kay, 2018). The manager to carefully analyze in advance the position the company can
also use the position component and where it wants to want to be as far as market share is
concerned. As a result, the company can achieve a strategic competitive advantage (Caramela,
2018).
During classroom sessions, one can participate in several activities. One of them is class
discussions in which an individual gets a chance to engage with several students while discussing
business-related topics (Benlulu, 2017). These discussions are often implemented by instructors
and sometimes organized by classmates. Discussions are usually preferred to class lectures
because they make one actively participate and focus on the topic being discussed. One can also
gain extensive knowledge and understanding of specific topics that he or she could have failed to
understand during classroom lectures (Weimer, 2011). This is because various students on the
discussion topic raise different ideas and opinions. More so, I was able to improve my research
and speaking skills through discussions. During each discussion, every group member is usually
required to present his or her own perspective on a particular topic while explaining it verbally to
other group members. Even though this requirement seems challenging to some students, it is

REFLECTIVE ESSAY 4
actually liked by several others since a student can easily express him or herself before a small
group of people than in the classroom where there is a large number of students (Top Hat, 2018).
One can also participate in mock interview activities which are also often implemented by
instructors individually to review every student's job skills. Under this activity, instructors ask
every student to develop his or her own questions for every candidate and then look for a class
partner with whom he or she can practice with. Multiple students like this activity since it helps
one gain more confidence and improve his or her conversational skills (Weimer, 2011).
Researching has always been one of my strengths. I like reading more and more journals to
explore the various ideas and opinions given by different professionals in the world. However,
speaking out my ideas before the class is still one of the things I find challenging. I believe that
developing more confidence will help me share ideas with my classmates and further be exposed
to multiple opinions.
Throughout the course, there are multiple online resources, including journal articles and
in-class videos, which are available for one to access. Considering business strategy, there are
multiple online sources related to business and consisting of valid and reliable knowledge about
the business world. International Journal of Business Strategy is one of the journals accessed and
used by several students in business strategy. An individual can openly access the content of this
journal with a mere typing of business strategy in the search engine. It comprises multiple
research articles and studies, in which one can gain an extensive understanding of business with
empirical evidence (Gnepa & Cordeiro, 2011). The journal examines the relationship that exists
between market culture implementation, organization vision, efficiency, corporate profitability,
and organizational success. It comprises numerous hypotheses with each of them discussing
important topics in the business world. While reading this journal, there are several vital business

REFLECTIVE ESSAY 5
concepts one can learn. Among them, include operational innovation efficiency, corporate
profitability, organizational success, and so many others (Gnepa & Cordeiro, 2011).
One can find it uneasy to identify the gaps contained in his or her knowledge as a
business major, especially after reading a lot of textbooks and doing a lot of research. However
much one feels that he or she has enough knowledge and business analysis skills to strive in the
business world it is essential for him or her to further prepare for it since it keeps on changing
(Kenny, 2012). I find it useful for one to regularly identify new journals related to the business
field since these sources consist of very reliable and valid information.
Becoming an effective strategic leader requires one to be excellent in numerous crucial
areas. Although some leaders consider themselves practical and strategic even when they lack
some qualities, a leader needs to identify his or her weaknesses and make improvements were
necessary (Yan, 2019). Several areas one would like to improve after identifying his weakness to
become an effective and strategic leader. Primarily, confidence is an essential quality of an
effective leader. Even after gaining some confidence, it is essential for one to continuously
improve it by practicing with a large group of people (Livingston, 2015). Teamwork skills are
also another area, which a strategic leader should continuously focus on. In any form of
leadership, whether at school or places of work, teamwork is a vital factor that can enhance the
progress of the activity towards achieving set goals. I have been part of numerous teams both in
the classroom and outside the class. One time, I was elected as the team leader, but I wasn't sure
whether I performed my role excellently. This is because the team managed to achieve some of
the goals of the project but failed to achieve a few. I was not sure whether the reason behind this
was the way I played my role or the way other people participated. Therefore, improving
teamwork skills can make one a better leader and can contribute to the success of his or her

REFLECTIVE ESSAY 6
career. Additionally, feedback from instructors can also help one spot area in need of
improvement based on the comments given hence improving weak areas (Schooley, 2019).
Conclusion
Business strategy courses are some of the most exciting and inspirational courses that
equip an individual with practical knowledge in the field of business. Throughout the course,
there are several concepts and theories an individual can learn which can help him or her not
only in class performance but also in the real business world. There is a variety of business
journals with numerous studies consisting of empirical evidence and valid information. This
dramatically helps students in various courses to access more information beyond the one
provided by their instructors. In the end, this expands their understanding of the course. More so,
it is significant to note the role played by class discussions in improving confidence among
students. I believe that if one improves his or her weak areas, he or she can become a successful
businessperson and leader.

REFLECTIVE ESSAY 7
References
Benlulu, R. (2017). Pros and Cons of Classroom Group Discussions. Retrieved from
https://owlcation.com/academia/Pros-and-Cons-of-Whole-Group-Classroom-Discussion
Caramela, S. (2018). The Management Theory of Henry Mintzberg. Retrieved from
https://www.business.com/articles/management-theory-of-henry-mintzberg-basics/
Gnepa, T. J & Cordeiro, W.P. (2011). Strategic Entrepreneurship Management Competency and
Firm Success: A Comparative Study of SMEs in Auto and Electronic Parts in Thailand.
International Journal of Business Strategy
Kay, J. (2018). Theories of the Firm. International Journal of the Economics of Business.
Kenny, G. (2012). From the stakeholder viewpoint: designing measurable objectives. Journal of
Business Strategy.
Livingston, R. (2015).11 Active Learning Activities for your Business Class. Retrieved from
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/11-active-learning-activities-your-business-class-renae-
kuhl
Moore, K. (2011). The Emergent Way: How to achieve meaningful growth in an era of flat
growth. Ivey Business Journal.
Schooley, S. (2019).10 Ways to Become a Better Leader. Retrieved from
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4991-effective-leadership-skills.html
Top Hat. (2018). 6 Interactive Classroom Activities for College Students. Retrieved from
https://tophat.com/blog/interactive-classroom-activities/

REFLECTIVE ESSAY 8
Weimer, M. (2011).10 Benefits of Getting Students to Participate in Classroom Discussions.
Retrieved from https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/10-benefits-
of-getting-students-to-participate-in-classroom-discussions/
Wolf, C & Floyd, S. W. (2013). Strategic Planning Research: Toward a Theory-Driven Agenda.
Journal of Management.
Yan, L. (2019). How to Improve Your Leadership Skills. Retrieved from
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/12/leadership-skils.asp