Reflective Blog on Research Design and Methods Learning Journey

This assignment presents a reflective blog detailing a student's learning journey in research design and methods. The blog covers various aspects of the learning process, including knowledge gained through brainstorming, visualization, problem-solving, journey mapping, learning launches, value chain analysis, rapid prototyping, and mind mapping. The reflection also includes a critical analysis of the learning experience and a future action plan for continued development. The student emphasizes the importance of teamwork, tutor guidance, and practical application of acquired skills. The blog showcases the student's evolving understanding of research methodologies and their ability to critically assess and apply these concepts.

Running head: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Reflective blogs
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

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RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Table of contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Discussion..................................................................................................................................2
Reflection- knowledge gained....................................................................................................2
Visualization- Knowledge gained..............................................................................................2
Brainstorming- Knowledge gained............................................................................................3
Problem finding-knowledge gained...........................................................................................5
Journey mapping-knowledge gained..........................................................................................5
Learning launches-knowledge gained........................................................................................6
Value chain- knowledge gained.................................................................................................6
Rapid prototyping- knowledge gained.......................................................................................7
Mind mapping knowledge gained..............................................................................................7
Critical analysis..........................................................................................................................8
Action plan.................................................................................................................................9
Conclusion................................................................................................................................10
References................................................................................................................................12
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................14

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RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Introduction
Reflection is one of effective tools, enabling the individuals to recapitulate on the
exposed performance. Writing blogs is one of the ways through which individuals expresses
their thoughts, feelings and emotions. Using ornamental languages for writing blogs is an
indication of making practical application of the design thinking (Reynolds, 2017). This
assignment develops a reflective study for knowledge, skills and expertise gained. Emerging
successful in portraying the knowledge gained is an initiative towards presenting me as a
complete individual. Self and peer assessment is assistance in terms of examining the
effectiveness, appropriateness and feasibility of the acquired skills, competencies and
abilities.
Discussion
Reflection- knowledge gained
Guidance and support from Mr Jeffrey helped us in enhancing our understanding
towards problem solving. The activity of drawing imaginary characters improved and
upgraded my creativity and innovation. Team work acted assistance for me in terms of filling
up the knowledge gaps. Along with this, knowledge was transmitted from the tutors to the
team members. Undertaking different and wide ranging experimental activities enhanced my
awareness about the intensity of the problems (Baldwin, 2016). This insight acted assistance
for me in terms of seeking effective solutions for the identified and the specified problems.
Indulging in various activities broadened the scope and arena of my thought process.
Visualization- Knowledge gained
Visualization skills enhanced my observational skills. Observing the learning and
development of my teammates brought noticeable developments in my performance. I think
for this, the quality of the pictures needs to be efficient and effective. Clarity in the picture

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RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
helps me in expressing the inner thoughts, feelings and emotions in an efficient and effective
manner. The tutors were competent enough, as they emerged successful in clarifying the
doubts, which we posed before them. Imaginary character visualization is an attempt towards
enhancing the creativity and innovation to an advanced level. Conflicts in this stage are
natural and obvious. This is in terms of the complexities, which can arise in exercising the
thought processes. Consulting with the tutors helps in clarifying the doubts regarding the
appropriateness of the visualized content (Baron, Griffiths & Sweeting, (2017). Clarifying the
drawings from the tutors helps me in bringing the issues within the pictorial representation of
the concepts. I think self-attempts towards restructuring the drawings is my initiatives
towards enhancing my visual and creative skills. Maintaining consistency in the writing blogs
upgraded my communicative skills through writing. I feel I emerged successful in making
practical application of the acquired skills in executing the activities. Maintaining consistency
in displaying good performance helped me in creating good image in the minds of the tutors.
Brainstorming- Knowledge gained
I believe brainstorming is one of the most important processes for the betterment of
my knowledge. This will increase my creativity in a big way. The brainstorming methods will
surely increase my ability to think in a better way. However, this is supposed to be an
informal approach towards the gaining of the proper knowledge. As per the opinions of
Börjesson, Cedersund and Bengtsson, (2015), the lateral thinking process would be imposed
by me in this segment since the problem solving can be done in a better way. In this process I
will have to work as a group and the opinions would come from all sorts of people in my
group. At first, the ideas could be some crazy ones but finally they would yield good results
as well. I will have to go through the brainstorming sessions with my group members in the
best ways and this will turn out some positive things indeed. I must mention in this context
that the idea of group wise brainstorming process has been much effective but the individual

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RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
brainstorming method can be much effective as well. Rather this will be better to implement
in certain aspects. It is because I have found through my experiences that the various groups
have not been able to follow the most effective rules for the brainstorming effect. As the
groups work through a number of members, this will hamper the integrity of the
brainstorming process (Branch & George, 2017). Rather it will be much better if I implement
the individual brainstorming process in my knowledge gaining. One of the most important
issues in this context is the fact that the people will not put much importance on their own
ideas. Rather, they will focus on what the other people are saying in this group. I would rather
like to focus on the individual brainstorming process since it will not be based on the egos
and opinions of the other people. Rather, I would be able to put much stress on my own
decisions and utilize them for my benefits. I would feel much creative and my ideas will be
able to generate much effectiveness.
I will always favour the brainstorming process because it is depended on the proper
analysis and making a proper structure of the process. The brainstorming process will help
me to crate the good ideas helpful to grow my knowledge in fields of my professional and
personal life. Clarà, (2015) opines that the creative solutions would be much abundant in this
case. Thus I would be much benefitted if I apply this process for the problem solving and
knowledge gaining as well. I will have to chalk out the problems at first and then I would go
on to think about some creative ways on how I could solve the problem. In this way, I will
also consult with some website sources about the topic as well. The creative ideas in my mind
will lead me to take the proper actions after thinking the best possible way about the
outcome. The unconventional ideas will surely put me into the place where I can make the
best decisions regarding the problems.

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Problem finding-knowledge gained
Problems are essential in terms of gaining an insight into the capabilities towards
undertaking challenging and enduring tasks. I think encountering problematic situations
provides me with effective solutions for solving them. Experimental activities are an agent in
terms of exercising the thought processes. I feel indulging in various types of experiments
makes me aware of the intensity to which I may encounter obstacles in carrying out the
essential activities. I also think that approach towards completing the task is important in
terms of solving them. According to me, need assessment is important for seeking effective
solutions for the potential issues. This assessment helps in gaining awareness into the urgency
of solving the problems. Group discussions and meetings are essential in terms of knowing
the mind-set of other in terms of solving the potential issues and challenges (Easterby-Smith
& Cunliffe, 2017). This acts as a comparison in terms of assessing my current skills, abilities
and competencies towards the identified and specified issues.
Journey mapping-knowledge gained
I have gained the knowledge that journey mapping is the summarization of the skills,
knowledge and experience achieved till date. Mapping the ways and means adopted for
gaining the experience helped me in searching for the avenues, which I can avail for attaining
personal development. I have also learned that mapping the journey of acquiring skills,
knowledge and expertise helps in measuring the impact on the performance. This is in terms
of fulfilling the identified and specified goals. I feel goal setting is important, as it improves
the focus on execution of the business activities. These goals are also assistance in terms of
generating value for the skills, knowledge and experience gained. As per the arguments of
Edwards, (2017), mapping these goals along with the gained skills helped me in assessing the
impact of the exposed performance on the overall personality.

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RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Learning launches-knowledge gained
Launching the learning process helps me in evaluating the appropriateness of the
learning process adopted. I can relate the concept of online learning courses. I think these
courses are effective for me, as I would be able to get in touch with other learners like me.
Contacting the learners helps me in gaining an insight into the mind-set of the other learners.
This way I would be able to compare my current skills, competencies, abilities and expertise
with that of the others. I think engaging in the online learning courses is fruitful for me, as it
helps in carrying out group studies. This results in knowledge transfer, which fills in the
knowledge gaps. I feel that contacting the tutors in the online courses is advantageous. If I
launch the learning processes and techniques, the tutors can see and give feedbacks on it.
Consideration of these feedbacks would help me in upgrading and improving my
performance. Making use of the tables, charts and graphs is assistance for me in terms of
mapping the learning process. Uploading these mapped processes online is assistance for me.
This is in terms of getting guidance and support from the tutors regarding the upgrading the
learning process (Gould & Taylor, 2017). I can relate the cognitive theory into this
discussion. I can also attach cognitive learning theory in this scenario. If I observe the
concepts closely, I would be able to learn them in an efficient and effective manner.
Value chain- knowledge gained
My ideas about value chain relates with studying the ways and techniques adopted by
the brands in terms of reaching to the buyers. In this concept, I gained an insight into the
inbound and outbound logistics, which proves beneficial in terms of generating values for the
business operations. Within this, I also learnt that focus needs to be placed on generating
values for the prospective buyers. In this, I gained awareness regarding the approach of the
personnel towards the fulfilling the specific needs, demands and requirements of the
customers. I felt that evaluative assessment of the ways and means adopted for execution of

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the activities is essential in terms of gaining an insight into the target audience, who would
play an important role in my personal development.
Rapid prototyping- knowledge gained
I think technological skills are important in terms of upgrading the current skills,
competencies and abilities. I think technology is assistance in terms of bringing automation in
the performance. Technology reduces my burden regarding completion of the tasks in an
efficient and effective manner. I feel elated at the modern technological facilities, which
broadens the scope and arena of my thought process. I think this technological advancement
is crucial in terms of evaluating my skills, competencies and abilities. I can cite the examples
of personality tests, which conducts my character analysis in short time. Application of
various techniques for rapid prototyping is assistance for me in terms of adding innovation
into my thought process. Using the latest and modern software enables me to prepare charts,
graphs and tables about my performance (Hinshelwood, 2017).
After reviewing the functions of prototyping, I can point out that it can aggravate the
complexities for the companies and organizations. This is because it is a time consuming
process and the users need to consider many feedback from the clients and the customers,
which might deviate them from the identified and specified targets. I felt that these steps are
necessary in terms of finalizing a project in an efficient and effective manner. According to
me, the task of building a prototype proved beneficial for me in terms of making practical
application of the skills learnt. This process also reflected my judicious use of the provided
materials for executing the tasks properly (Iqbal, 2017).
Mind mapping knowledge gained
With mind mapping, I can relate the concept of projecting my ideas regarding the
concepts. I am at my free will to design the concepts. This reflects my freedom to consider

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the subject according to my will. However, I need to maintain relevancy with the traditional
values associated with the concept. Indulging in teamwork is necessary in terms of assessing
the extent to which the mind mapping is appropriate. This is in terms of making estimates
regarding the journey towards personal development. I feel that conducting mind mapping for
the action plan would help in evaluation for the current competencies, skills, abilities and
experience.
Critical analysis
Planning proved beneficial for me in terms of systematizing the activities. Teamwork
helped me to fill in the knowledge gaps regarding the solving the problems. Taking guidance
from the tutors enhanced my learning towards the concepts of mind mapping, journey
mapping, and prototyping among others. Pictorial representation of the attained skills,
knowledge and expertise enabled me to enhance my thought process. I felt conducting Self
and Peer Assessment acted as an evaluation for me in terms of my performance. I agreed that
I was dependent on others for attending the group meetings (refer to SPA Question 1). I feel
immensely proud to point out that I completed the work on time. Apart from this, I could
come up with alternate solutions for the problems (refer to SPA Question 2). This reflects my
proper utilization of the learnt skills. It also projects the proper usage of the motivation
provided by the tutors.
I felt that I emerged successful in completing the tasks accurately within the stipulated
time. Here, I can relate the behavioural theories of planned action in terms of exposing
eagerness towards exposing better performance. Contributing greater share in the work
reflects my proper consideration of Tuckman’s theory of team development. This
collaborative approach acted as a knowledge transfer from one employee to the other,
enhancing the unity and coordination needed for completion of project activities. This
approach of mine makes me a valuable member of the team. Here, I can bring Great Man

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RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Theory into the discussion. Through my performance, I emerged successful in creating
positive image in the minds of the tutors that they have considered me an agent for achieving
success. The major drive behind this is my dedication, commitment and perseverance towards
the tasks. Positive comments of the tutors pushes me a step forward towards my personal
development. Attending meetings enhanced and upgraded my learning process, making me
aware of the avenues, which would upgrade my knowledge, skills, abilities and
competencies.
Action plan
Programs
Undertaking
Mode of Learning Time frame
required
Areas in need of
development
Focus on making
reflective thinking
Guidance from Mr.
Jeffrey through
online course
4 weeks Reflection
Conflict management
systems
Support and guidance
from the online tutors
in various cases
4 weeks+ 3 days Visualization
Focus on creative
ideas all the more
University of
Adelaide
6 hours and an
assessment period
Brainstorming
Design Thinking Online Workshops
for innovation
18 hours Problem finding
Experience on the
service action
Online tutorial
courses
10 hours Journey mapping
Innovation methods
in best ways
Support from the
group members
4 days Learning launches
Focusing in Design On campus training 15 hours Value chain

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RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Thinking experience
Communication for
the profession
Workshops by the
professors
3 weeks Rapid prototyping
Generation of new
ideas through
innovation
Class tutorials or
lectures
20 hours Mind mapping
Table 1: Action plan for personal development
(Source: Created by the author)
Conclusion
I felt that experimental activities proved beneficial for me in terms of enhancing my
learning process. Conducting the experiments enhanced my learning about seeking effective
solutions for the problems. I learnt that thinking out of the box is assistance in terms of
enhancing creativity and innovation. Feedbacks from the tutors assist me in evaluating the
effectiveness, appropriateness and feasibility of the journey mapping in terms of the gained
skills, competencies and abilities. Emerging successful in the proposing the knowledge
gained in mind mapping, journey mapping, visualization, brainstorming and others reflects
slow yet gradual progress towards enhancement of personality. I think technological skills are
necessary in terms of executing the activities in an efficient and effective manner. This is in
terms of enhancing the thought process. Referring to external sources is fruitful in terms of
designing the thinking skills. Moreover, this is assistance in terms of upgrading creativity and
innovation. Action plan is the summarization of how I would deal with the project related
activities.

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RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
References
Baldwin, M. (2016). Social work, critical reflection and the learning organization.
Routledge.
Baron, P., Griffiths, D., & Sweeting, B. (2017). Action and Reflection: The Individual and
the Collective. Kybernetes, 46(9).100-140
Börjesson, U., Cedersund, E., & Bengtsson, S. (2015). Reflection in action: implications for
care work. Reflective Practice, 16(2), 285-295.
Branch Jr, W. T., & George, M. (2017). Reflection-Based Learning for Professional Ethical
Formation. AMA journal of ethics, 19(4), 349-356.
Clarà, M. (2015). What is reflection? Looking for clarity in an ambiguous notion. Journal of
Teacher Education, 66(3), 261-271.
Easterby-Smith, M., & Cunliffe, A. L. (2017). From reflection to practical reflexivity:
Experiential learning as lived experience. In Organizing reflection (pp. 44-60).
Routledge.
Edwards, S. (2017). Reflecting differently. New dimensions: reflection-before-action and
reflection-beyond-action. International Practice Development Journal, 7(1)., pp 100-
120
Gould, N., & Taylor, I. (2017). Reflective learning for social work: research, theory and
practice. Routledge.
Hinshelwood, R. D. (2017). Reflection or action: And never the twain shall
meet. Psychotherapy and Politics International, 15(1), e1401.