Reflecting on a Business Studies Course

¶ … Personal knowledge, skills, and abilities have been enhanced through the current session of learning, which has helped with the development of transferable skills. The modules have built in past knowledge and stretched learning to encompass new ideas and concepts that can be appreciated not only from a theoretical perspective but also from a practical perspective. The work undertaken through the modules examining different elements of an organization increased understanding on the way in which the different elements of a business are interrelated.

To examine a firm and assess its position, as well as potential future strategies, it is essential the firm is considered in a comprehensive manner, looking at the different aspects of a business and the way they may fit together, potentially creating more value where there is a good fit. The modules have provided a solid foundation for strategic analysis of a business. The modules dealing with the internal and external aspects of a SWOT analysis were particularly useful.

The internal factors of strengths and weaknesses provide a framework for looking at the firm and a wide range of different factors, from the internal culture and leadership through to the financial position of the firm and the presence, or absence, of different types of physical or intangible assets. The external environment involved assessing the influences on or around the film and the existing conditions which may impact ion a firm.

The ability to look at the external analysis opportunity and threats and assess the potential of the different influences by looking at the strengths and weaknesses provides a logical progression to the assessment, for example, building on strengths to take advantage of opportunities and minimize threats. The SWOT analysis models were very useful in the subsequent strategic choices model, which also looked at the strategic choices at different levels and the different types of competitive advantage.

This module also provided increased knowledge for the SWOT modules, for example, a sustainable competitive advantage can be seen as a significant strength. Maybe a few more up-to-date real life case studies, where there is the use of existing knowledge from the news may be used to enhance the course. I also find that group interaction is beneficial for peer learning, so increasing collaborative work may also be beneficial. The aviablety of some of the lessons as online podcasts would also have allowed me to go back and listen again.

I feel I was able to understand and synthesize the information learned into my practices, and the use of case studies helps me to develop the transferable skills. I am aware of my learning in a number of ways. Now, as I read case studies in the course materials, or read newspaper articles or watch documentaries about business I find myself applying the analysis techniques learned, and identifying ways I think that the firms could improve based on the information available.

I feel this demonstrates that I have absorbed and integrated the knowledge and practice. However, I am also aware that although I have learned a lot, as with any course of study there have also been missed opportunities. Spending more time on the preparation for the course and the supplemental course readings may have increased the pace and level of knowledge. There may also have been times when a greater level of peer-based learning could have been pursued with fellow learners through discussions.

I may also have gained more with a higher level of personal practice using the skills and listening more carefully to feedback. I believe I achieved the course outcomes, with the way I now know how.