1. Outline the task you completed, and any relevant theory linked to the task - My Experiences

The experiences in which I have had whilst taking the extended degree course have greatly developed my skills throughout the year. Prior to attending university, I was always someone whom would leave tasks/work till very late before completing it. Eventually I found that in some ways I thrived under the pressure of having to complete work on a short time scale and became confident in my ability to do so. However, after continuously completing my work in this way, myself and my teachers felt/noticed that the quality of work produced was not matching my ability. I believe that my organisation and timing did have an impact over my previous years of education. Since coming to university I opened myself up to changing my previous ways and many of the seminars and lectures taught me how to better manage my education and even personal life.

Sheffield Hallam University. 2018. https://www.shu.ac.uk/

Self-Skill management

One of the skills that have improved throughout the course are my managing self-skills. I looked at my actions and behaviours and sort to change or improve in order to benefit myself. With having to partake in a number of group activities through both semesters, I leant to change how myself in order to adapt to certain members of the group. For example, on the Organisation Management & Delivery module when having to create an event to raise money for a selected charity of our groups choice. This was important as everyone us different and to be a good group participant, it is good to adapt one’s self to the needs of everyone in order to have a better functioning team. Furthermore, not only did I look to improve my actions and behaviours but also my appearance of myself to others. Body language is important in how others see a person. Specifically, the course has taught me that presentation skills are key in order to keep an audience interested as well as produce a higher standard of delivery. The lecturer on the introduction to business module spoke about how appearance and presentation skills are a useful tool to have. I what I had learnt during my groups adidas business model presentation and felt I and improved on my delivery skills influencing my grade. Also, these skills learnt will help me in the future in the work place when it comes to doing my job or applying for one.

Image Reference: Heart of a Leader. 2012. 

https://heartofaleader.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/introspection-and-leadership/

Time Management

Time management is my biggest improvement over the duration of my course. As previously stated I used to leave work till the last minute before completion. However, I have learnt after experiencing burnout symptoms such as exhaustion and ability being impacted, to better understand time management and how best to use my time effectively. Instead of completing my 2000-word self-evaluation of the Organisation Management & delivery assignment the night before, over a 2-week period I planned and set a goal to go to the library and complete a certain number of words a day until I had completed the report and handed it in before the due date. This method helped my complete the work to a higher standard of quality; reduce the amount of stress I put myself under and balance my work and social life effectively. I also improved my time management when it came to getting to early lectures/seminars. Initially I would sleep fairly late and stay in bed as long as I could before be rushing to get ready and going to my class. This would often leave me feeling tired and groggy during the lecture or seminar effecting my ability to take in information and complete tasks. To improve this, I sorted out my sleep timings and ensured I woke up with enough time to have a decent breakfast, get ready and attend my classes on time improving my ability to function at an effective standard. I will take this use of time management forward with me not only throughout my remaining years at university but also when it comes to a job in the future.

Change Management

Another skill that I have improved on is how I manage change. When coming to university I looked within myself and wanted to change my attitude towards education. I no longer wanted to coast through school and not partake or achieve the minimum. I wanted to full grabs the opportunity that I had been given and experience as much as I could. However just like the force field analysis from Lewin explains, for every driving force I had for change there was also a restraining force effecting my path to my desired state (Force Field Analysis). Having the responsibility of my education and the motivation entirely being my own since moving away from home to university, it was difficult to resist my old attitude of education such as skipping lessons or partaking in extra activities/socials. It was important for me to overcome the restraining forces in order to better manage change as it is an important factor in order to get the best possible use of my time at university as well as getting the job I desires after completing education.

Conflict Management

Your Story. Matthew Maniyamkott. 2016. https://yourstory.com/2016/11/how-to-diffuse-conflict/

Conflict is a big part of university and how I learnt to manage it was a key skill learnt during my first year. Conflict pops up everywhere at university and ranges from all sorts of things. From personal factors such as Values and personalities to competitive culture and lack of information. It was important for me to overcome the conflicts I encountered during the year to progress onwards in my degree and personal life. For example, in order to solve a conflict, I had to compromise during an assignment. During my adidas presentation, I had to except/compromise that I wasn’t the leader or dominant voice for the group. By doing this early on I was able to adapt to my new role in the group and work cohesively to create a presentation of high quality.

Diversity Management

Diversity management is a very important factor not only in the first year of university but throughout life. University is a very diverse environment with people from all races, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age and so on. Having an open mind and not judging people on the common stereotypes that are still present in today’s society helps bring a positive vibe to the university and benefits all students and people in anything they do. Despite already having good values on diversity, partaking in the extended degree in business course has made me appreciate more the importance of acceptance and understanding of people. Often high school and collages can be harsh environments for some whom with different characteristics as children can be quite harsh and at a young age, vulnerable to having opinions and stereotypes formed for them. However, when coming to university the environment changes as everyone are adults coming for all backgrounds with their own formulated opinions and beliefs. Diversity on university courses can cause things and issues such as selective attention potentially leaving certain members of a group or seminar group isolated, not always by intention. I have seen that despite differences and difficulties that diversity may bring up, such as language barrier, everyone has something to offer equally no matter what and by working well with all peers it creates a better and more effective work environment.   

2. this helps you in managing yourself, managing stakeholders, or managing others

 Pintrest. 2016. https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/344314333991311262/

These experiences and skills mentioned in the lectures and seminars are important values in managing myself, managing others and managing stakeholders. When it comes to managing myself, the skills mentioned through out the module will be greatly beneficial towards my chosen degree as well as future career. My self and time management will be beneficial as I will be used to a system of organisation when it comes to doing my degrees work to the best of my ability as well as balanced around my work and social life. As I have dealt with having to manage change and conflict during this year the transition over to my new course will be smooth. Also, the understanding of diversity will help my socially with feeling comfortable socially around new people as well as my interactions with customers through my work. in my future career, I aspire to one day be in a leadership role of a company or organisation as it’s my strength. The values taught and experienced during this year will be carried forward and help me manage others when needed. These skills are also useful for companies when it comes to managing stake holders as well. For example, one of Nike Inc. primary stakeholders are the customers. In order to create the most revue possible, they need to understand, interact and appeal to all types of customers and the skills displayed during the extended degree in business are needed in order to create a positive relationship with the companies most important stakeholder.