Week 67 (27.7.08)

Learn

Revisit Chapter 2 of Research Methods for Business Students: Formulating and clarifying the research topic.

Important points to note:

• If undertaking a research project as part of a course study, the most important attribute is to meet the examining body's requirements and, in particular, that it is at the correct level. This means that I must choose the topic with care.
• If unsure, I should discuss any uncertainties with my project tutor.
• My research topic must be something I am capable of undertaking and one that excites my imagination.
• A topic in which you are only vaguely interested at the start is likely to become a topic in which you have no interest and with which you will fail to produce your best work.
• Ability to find the financial and time resources to undertake research on the topic will also affect my capability. Some topics are unlikely to be possible to complete in the time allowed by your course of study.
• Finally, it is important to consider your career goals. If you wish to become an expert in a particular subject area or industry sector, it is sensible to use the opportunity to develop this expertise.

Unlearn

Nil, capture more of the learning and quickly put the new learning into perspective and real practise.

Relearn

I drafted an outline proposal and discussed it with my tutor, Mr Chan CS. To my surprise, Mr Chan was sceptical about my idea on the research topic. He thought the research topic was broad and objective not clear. He also thought three months was too short a timescale in which to judge the five drivers that can impact on organizational performance. However, I felt Mr Chan may be right about the 3 months period is insufficient time for me to carry out the project.

I felt dispirited at once, and I agreed to think the matter over and submit a new proposal by end of the week. Nevertheless, I take this as a new challenge and take this new learning by revising Chapter 2 in instilling my confidence. In short time and overnight, I think of a more focus topic that I would be keen to be an expert in developing my career goals. Therefore, i have used this research opportunity to develop one of the skills which i want to learn more ie "Leadership".

I had sent in again my research proposal, and finally it was accepted for me to further undertake. I hope with this research, it will provide fresh insights into the topic for Pfizer and me.

Summary: I felt the two way interactive tutor-student role in guiding throughout this research is very important for the most effective learning process to take place with a good outcome.