Plc Tracking report and End of the semester Review

 

As part of the assignment 1 we have been asked to do a Plc weekly track (how much are the weekly shares of the company, shares of the sector and FTSE 100), graph of it that will be put on the main report where we have to indicate how did it rise and decrease on a certain week. 

 

 This is the tracking report that I have done for 10 weeks. I have calculated each week's index to show how good or bad the performance of the company is. The index is being calculated from the current week divided by the first week the multiply it by 100 to be able to get an accurate figures for the index. For this part of my assignment, I was able to consistently monitor my chosen business. This exercise helps me to practice my memory towards my commitments at college which will be beneficial if I will apply this to my daily life and at work. Be committed to the things that I need to do and maintain a high quality.

I have used the Mulberry's annual report to be able to complete this assignment. It is a big help in using the annual report not only to finish my coursework, also, to extend my knowledge by understanding the information that I am putting on my Plc report. 

This semester has been hectic and has given me a lot of pressure in handing my assignments on time. But despite all, I have learned a lesson; to manage my time efficiently, to be committed to more important thing and most especially extends my knowledge on how business's operates and what strategies they are using to succeed in the industry. Business industry is a very complex world to be in, you need to have a better and deeper understanding towards different areas in it i.e. competitors, target market, Public Relation etc.

Mind Map

This is the link to my mind map website.

Creating a mind map takes quite a lot of time (including putting information for each topic). Therefore I have started doing my mind map at the lesson, where help is available. Putting information on each topic has extended my knowledge towards within any organization such as communication, social responsibility, personal management etc. Why is it important to managers/employer? what's the meaning of it in the company? why is it valued? and how can it be developed?. These made me think of what are the thing I must develop and improve at work and to my future job positions. It is very helpful as it gives you knowledge about managers and employees. I was able to analyze what managers should apply to their company. An example to this is Commitment to quality; every manager/owner must manage their time wisely (do what ever task they need to do early to avoid conflicts when the deadline is nearly there). High quality of work must always be there as this is one of the qualification for customers' satisfaction. 

Regarding that Mind map is part of my assignment, I need to consider; being concise on each note that I put in each topic. This will be more effective by thinking critically than being descriptive. Therefore, I have given examples; relating it to how organizations function.

Group Video for a bad and good team

We have been asked to do a task which we have to prepare for two weeks; create a script and choose a role in the play of what ever topic you have to do. We have been grouped into three therefore Trisha, Patsy and I were asked to do a script for an effect and ineffective team in the business industry. My group members and I decided to make me as the team leader in the play, Patsy as the marketing expert and Tricia as the graphic designer. We have managed to create the script for a little amount of time so that we have time to rehearse and decide what props we are going to use. Creating the script was quite easy for us because everyone in the group were co-operative and shares ideas when we need as we know that 2 is better than one. All of us are aware that we will be able to finish our task easily and quicker if we help each other. The next step we have done is work on the script and make it better whenever we have a time after lesson. On the day of the video recording for the play, we have arrived at the college early to print the script so we have back up whenever we get stuck onto what we have to say. Getting to the college early has given us the chance to practice in a team; so we know what actions are best suitable for each topic from the script e.g. body language.

I was very happy with the outcome of the video as it appeared well prepared, although we have made some mistakes. The most important is; we helped each other, we have worked as a team and we have given our full effort in doing the play. I believe that everything need not to be perfect, we just have to show that we have worked so well to do what needs to be done.

Ministry Of Defence visit

We have had an opportunity to visit the ministry of defence on 8th of March 2012. We have been warmly welcomed by Mr. Andy Gilman (who had previously visited us in the Hammersmith College) together with his professional colleagues that also work in the MOD.It was a fruitful visiting the Ministry of Defence ; I have learned a lot and opened my eyes in the business and media industry. I have seen a busy industry in the MOD where every individual needs to be independent and aware of what's happening world wide; otherwise, they will not survive at work as it will be more difficult for them to keep up at work. This made me realize that I want to be as successful as them and to be able to achieve my goals in life; I will have to work well, finish my studies and explore more (especially business related). When we came inside the building, Mr. Andy noticed that we are a big group of people therefore he divided us in 5 teams for us to understand clearly what their saying instead of having a big group and have our mentor/leader shouting because as we could not hear what their saying. As our leader tour us in the building, I was amazed by their facilities when I saw how people respect each others time very well, their facilities and how modern things are such as the entrance (the machine check whether or not you have anything that can harm anyone or any prohibited things in the building also. There are many historical paintings and facilities of the building where can take you to the past years just by imagining it.

I have discovered that Ministry of Defence one of the very hectic industry that you can work with. Working here qualifies a person to be hard-working, dedicated and knowledgeable about the world. 

Diesel (Case Study)

For this part of the assignment, our tutor has grouped as in three to complete the Diesel Case Study. Doing this,  has extended my knowledge about the company such as what type of pricing they use and explain the advantages and disadvantages of it. This includes the kinds of strategies they use, it also refreshes our mind about the 4 P's, product life cycle, Market Penetration and many other basic things about business that we suppose to know by heart. Answering the questions in the case study has helped me a lot to think critically; it made me realize that in every successful businesses do; there's always an explanation to it. Businesses must have an extensive knowledge towards their target market, competitors and business industry to be able to compete and maintain/improve its current status. They must also have different strategies such as Exclusive and Selective distribution.

It was Trisha, Patsy and I who have been grouped together, completed the case study and uploaded it to our portfolio. It was a successful task because each of us were able to co-operate very well and able to complete it on time. Our tutor has given us a week to finish the case study, therefore, we have had meetings after our lessons and each of us had computers which we can search what ever topic needs be cover.

Session 1 for Professional Practice Blue Phase

In this lesson, we have had discussion about our chosen company's progress that we will monitor every week together with FTSE 100. Each of us were asked to bring 'Financial Times' along to be able to understand very well how the market works. I have learned how to calculate the index of the weekly value together with understanding how much are the prices indicated in each section (which are in pence). In order to have further understanding towards the topic, Jay have prepared the 'this is money' site in the scheme of work. 'This is money' website helps us to know what company will be suitable for us to monitor as too big and too small company will give us difficulties in doing this module. The website have variety of company together with their updated daily performance (the share prices; which shows whether the company's progressing well or not). It also has the FTSE 100 which I can look st every week to see the changes on the Market's progress.

This is a screen shot I've got from 'This is money.co.uk' this shows the share price of my chosen company as well as the percentage and change which I have to calculate and get each of their index with the FTSE 100 value. This task shows me further knowledge regarding of how/which company is best to choose in terms of buying shares. It is very helpful in the future when I finish my studies and decides to have my own business or if I want to invest to companies. The reason for this is because I would be able to identify how are the companies doing well and the value of FTSE 100 which will show whether it is the right times to introduce a new business to the mass. I would be able to identify these if I would monitor my chosen company weekly together with the FTSE 100.

Presentation day and module review

It was a success having the presentation and all the tasks for this module done.

Preparing the presentation was as straight to the point as preparing the debate. Dorina and I have seen Rita to talk about how are we going to present our report about the debate. Doing this was a very big help to both of us. We have managed to understand more about what topic needs to be covered on the power-point presentation. The meeting also given us opportunity to ask or point out come mistakes that we have done during the debate and what can we do differently for the presentation. Our tutor has given us brief information and tips on getting everything right whilst on the debate. After-wards, Dorina and I went to the Learning Center and discussed who's doing what (dividing the tasks makes it easier and faster to both of us to finish the slide-show presentation). We have set meetings and kept in touch with each other via e-mail and phone to keep each other up-to-date and to know whoever needs help. Meeting up, as I have realized is much better than having conversation through electronic devices because we can see each others expression ad explain things very well visually (for better understanding towards each others explanation on the tasks given). Also, Having a meeting helps us to put each of the tasks we have done together and neatly on the slide-show presentation to lessen hustle on the presentation day (because we will know when we need to talk as we can have practice after finishing it off).

On the presentation day, I believe that I have quite prepare for it as well as my group member; Dorina. My only problem was whenever I get nervous on the presentation or whenever I'm talking to someone; everything will be blank. This is what happen whilst I'm doing my part for the presentation. When Dorina and I practiced last minute before our presentation it did lessen my nervous and felt more confident, but when I was in the middle of talking my topic I just stumble and forgot the lines I was supposed to discuss. I must say, audiences' eye contact on me made me intimidated and loosen my words up. Thankfully, my team member, Dorina was there to help me. It is essential that I have applied all the right doings that I must do on the presentation as I was talking about what we have done wrong on the debate and what could we have done differently/ we must do on our next presentation/interview/debate. Having a good presentation shows evidence towards our topic, therefore, it is essential that I have been more confident than I was.

In general, I have enjoyed every session that I had from Rita's module (Professional Competencies)  as I have learned a lot of lesson towards my strengths and weaknesses on my communication skills and many more. I think, what I need to develop to help me achieve my goals in life are self-esteem, effective communication skills, think critically and be more reflective on my writings instead of being descriptive and manage my time wisely. I just need to push my self a little harder to be able to have these skills because I can sometimes be a procrastinator which leads me on the wrong way; failing, instead of achieving success.

Special thanks to my tutor for being so helpful and lovely teacher/friend to us. She always listen whenever we're having difficulties on certain things and try to get it solve, thank you for caring.

The Debate Day

It was on Friday, 20th of January 2012, Dorina and I were in the proposing team, arguing against Flavia and Tricia who were in the opposing team. Our group believes that Primark can still be environment friendly/ ethical when having low cost goods and trade. We have time limits on every part of the argument; introduction, main arguments, question and answer and conclusion.

I did the introduction for our group then comes the main argument which was done by Dorina and I equally. For the main arguments, we have 10 minutes to state all the information of what we are arguing for. We have chosen 6 most reliable information and sources to deliver our message; of what we believe, to the opposing group afterward, the opposing group talk about their believes. Both groups had very efficient main argument, both were very clear and straight to the point which gives the audience a clear understanding of who's arguing for and against. Moving on, next, was the question and answer portion; teams member in each group will have a certain time to ask and answer questions. In this section, I believe that we did very well so as Flavia and Tricia. This was proven in the video that was recorded by our tutor, Rita. Both teams had had answer every question efficiently together with acknowledgment of trustworthy websites.

Having this debate has thrilled me a lot, our arguments were superb because of the fact too that we have planned it very well before the date of our debate. It was grateful to have this experience as I will be needing it in the future. I have learned my strengths and weaknesses and what I should do and should not do next time I will have a debate or interview. Knowing all these allow me to change and improve things that needs improvement because I know this will be a big help in the future.This experience can be related to work for example: a lady complaining about certain things; it will be easier for me to handle this kind of situations if I have full confidence and knowledge in stating things at her ( body language is necessary).

Our tutor, Rita, recorded our debate which made me see ho well did I do and each of us on the debate. I have seen that I had little to contribute in terms of answering questions of opposing group. Therefore, I will have to make an action to improve this, so it would be fair for my team member/s too.

In my own conclusion, both teams did very well in general. We have equally stand-out because we did not let our team to get stuck in any issue during the debate. One thing we necessarily need to do next time were doing debate is practice our lines (what we are going to say). This will make us look more professional as we will have a good body language and able to make an eye contact. Also, will make us look confident and may intimidate the opposing group via eye contact.

Planning the debate

Our tutor, Rita have set groups of people for each team to debate with each other. Our debate topic was ''Is it Possible for Primark to trade goods with low cost and not affecting environment?''. Dorina and I are in the proposing group, Our group says that yes, it is possible. We are arguing against the opposing team which are Tricia and Flavia which we may consider researching about information they may have.

It is essential that we make a plan before having a debate, to ensure reliable and efficient information together with sources. We have made a plan to give each other tasks and ensure that we can gather as much information as we need before the day of the debate to be able to revise our notes. Revising our notes will give us confidence in answering every question they may ask, because we know that we have knowledge in every aspect of the debate topic.

My tasks for the debate was to make a research about the information opposing team may have such as negative publicity (the BBC panorama), questions and answers they may have for us. Also, I have research about the ethical doings of Primark in a variety of reliable sources to support my statement. Ethical doings such as recycling to help the environment and support children in need.

It was pleasant having Dorina in my team as we get along with each other very well.We both discuss and agree in any situation such as who's doing what, what are the things needs to be done, when to we plan to finish certain things and what are the most reliable sources and information to be put on our introduction, main argument and conclusion. Having all of these discussed before the debate will give us clarity in all aspects of our information, allow us to be much organized regarding on every information we have.

6th session on Professional competencies

In this session we have had further discussion about communicating effectively in personal and academic life. Before having discussion we were first asked to read about 'The Building Society Association' telling us the process, advantages and disadvantages (barriers) of communicating in Business industry. Our tutor given us time to read and understand on how to communicate effectively. We were asked question when we have finished reading, for example; why is it important to communicate effectively in a business and the process that are involved? The process in communicating in a particular business is Sender-message-medium-receiver-feedback. It is vital that the message is being send at the right person, in the right time and at the right format as this will affect the progress of the business.

I have answered every questions my tutor have asked me. However, this does not make me a good communicator, because I should speak out of my self too, sometimes, if needed, without being ask. An example to this are; if I did not understand the question or the topic and if I know the answer; I should volunteer and speak to the class without a teacher pointing me out. I have learned that from now onward it will always be necessary to feel free and speak if you  need to.

Also, I have learned that in order get a good progress in any organization, stakeholders must learn how to communicate effectively with each other. It is essential that employees give and receive message from the right person to avoid conflicts.