Abstract
Academic achievements are important as they taught us a few things about ourselves. Gibbs reflective cycle is used in this self-reflective report to share the experience of a research project conducted in this semester. “Gears in Agro-Industry” was a challenging topic that required the implementation of subject research methods. The reflective cycle phases were helpful to analyse project experience; for example, description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion and action plan.
Additionally, the research project was helpful to gather data collection methods. While the feelings and mood were constantly changed due to certain actions. From being anxious, nervous, shyness, to enthusiasm and confidence were noticeable changes. Leadership and teamwork skills were utterly absent as project was an individual task only. Furthermore, improvisation for project management activities and research methods were profound. Therefore, overall subjective experience of research methods was beautiful as well as challenging at the same time.
Introduction
The research has developed several theories about self-reflection over the years. It is defined as a mechanism which provides interaction of a practitioner and their personal experiences on feelings and emotions through some achievements (Helyer, 2015). Hence, self-reflection defines an own journey that gives momentum experiences to an individual. I was a Northumbria University student. I was learning a lot due to my degree learning experience. I was working on the project, “Gears in Agro-Industry” in this semester. It was the most challenging experience to work on activities and personal achievements.
Further, I also learned from subjective experience through research methods. Project management is a huge responsibility that comes with a burden. I learned that while facing challenges every day as working on their own. Whatever I learned from subjects did help me; however, not every theory was helpful.
Personally, this journey taught me a few things about myself. The reflective journey will be converted into writing so that I can analyse myself. Therefore, the purpose of this reflective report is to analyse how theoretical knowledge was translated and implemented into the personal domain. Furthermore, I will also share my overall experience for personal and professional achievements gained.
This report is strategically divided into different sections as per their order. Gibbs’s Reflective cycle model is used to demonstrate reflective writing of research project assignment (Sekarwinahyu et al., 2019). Section II provides experience gained from the subject throughout the semester as well as a research project. Part III will discuss my change for feelings and mood at the time of working with people. I went through various emotions at the time of project management experience.
Further, Section IV will determine what skills I learned and what was skipped. Whereas, Section V will analyse the impacts of skills and feelings effectively and efficiently. Section VI will conclude significant accomplishments from the overall journey successfully. Lastly, Section VII will provide an action plan so that I can perform better in future in an academic environment.
Research Project Description
The purpose of this section is to understand the journey of my subjective experience and research project experience. However, I found a vast difference between theoretical learnings and practical learnings. The individual experience for each of the self-learning is described below.
Subjective Experience
Research Methods was an exciting subject through-out the semester because it taught me to seek the right approach. The research is an important aspect which is undertaken while research projects are assigned. The resources should be credible enough so that used in academic contexts. The module was beneficial to bring awareness to a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Furthermore, these methods provided a way so that I could learn the application of primary and secondary data collection with research projects. The module brought me with challenging experience to execute personal research investigation. Three types of methods were considered for research project investigation such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed approach.
I also understood the difference between qualitative and quantitative method approach to conduct research investigation. Quantitative research was helpful to make comparisons for a large number of things or people through statistics; while, qualitative research was only focused on structures and patterns used in making arguments (Litosseliti, 2010). Hence, I was able to gather than statistics, and numerical data was base to analyse quantity. Furthermore, research-based on theoretical knowledge from resources was purely for quality structure. Both, these methods were essential for me in research project investigation. The subjective experience taught me how to implement plans for real-life project topic “Gears in Agro-Industry.” There were different qualitative and quantitative methods which I learned in the second-semester study. Qualitative methods mainly included an interview, focused groups, postcards, secondary data and observations. Although my topic was about manufacturing gears, I mostly would implement secondary data analysis for it.
I understood that each method in the qualitative backdrop is beneficial. For example, I was well-informed about the interviewing process in which responses are collected for people through semi-structured, structured or unstructured questions (Jamshed, 2014). Other methods, such as observations were helpful to look into the real site of people working. Whereas, focus groups concentrated only on a few responders with a similar issue to gather (Bhat, n.d.). What I found interesting were postcards which worked in the form of questions asked to participants. However, I learned more and worked on collecting secondary data from peer-reviewed articles, resources, and company reports. Hence, my qualitative method approaches were helpful to gather personal investigation. Quantitative methods were a mainly difficult approach to me as it concentrated on numbers and statistical parts. These approaches are only applicable in projects like making comparisons, examine relationships, stating forecasts, measurement, and construction of theories (Walliman, 2011). Some of the relevant sources which I learned were observations, survey analysis and secondary information from revenue reports to gather statistics. Therefore, my studying both approaches were a hard and challenging experience. However, I now was able to perform research methods for formulating research questions, gathering information and investigate my topic in a much more relaxed manner.
Therefore, the subjective experience was enjoyable as it taught me how to perform research for a specific topic. I choose “Gears in Agro-Industry” to learn about the manufacturing process agriculture industry. For this, I have utilised both quantitative and qualitative method approach for better understanding. Thus, the subjective experience was able to tell me how do’s and don’ts must be separated for credible research investigation.
Research Project Experience
I was always interested in the Agro-industry and the working of mechanical instruments in it. This was an area of interest which I focused on the research project investigation through this semester. The application of module research methods was beneficial in gathering information about the topic. I wanted to analyse the use of gears in the agriculture industry has conducted a literature review. The review provided me with an understanding of the problem, what research was already accomplished as well as critical issues (Hart, 2018). I acknowledged that gears such as spur were quite useful in fuel pumps. However, I found it challenging due to lack of resources and materials on the topic. Identification of the problem was made yet; the next step was to process information and construct it into headings. I grouped headings in three ways such as applications, importance for productivity, and performance, and proper closing for the topic. The literature review was accomplished through the help of qualitative research methods. I used peer-reviewed journals, articles, manufacturing company reports, as well as observations. It was the biggest challenge, and I found myself getting impatient with lack of results. The databases such as Google Scholar, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, IEEE, and others were helpful but lacked some information. Overall, the investigation was accomplished and proceeded to the next step of formulating research questions.
The research questions were essential to analyse what I want to gather from information drawn. A good research question would be able to sort out the problems and builds a reasonable hypothesis (Ratan, Anand & Ratan, 2019). Henceforth, my attempt for the topic through research questions was a good experience. I identified three of them to understand how gears will improve the problems faced by the agriculture industry’s productivity due to a lack of highly defined manufacturing equipment’s. Next, I introduced my research design, methodology and procedures. Here, the research methods module was usefully implemented through which I explored a lot. I have identified various concepts relatable such as primary data collection and secondary data collection.
Whereas, data sampling was helpful to take a small amount of approximately 100 farmers into consideration. I understood sampling method strictly with this research topic on Agro-industry. Sampling is a process which selects samples from a population with an exact size known as the sample size in a specific number (Singh, 2018). Therefore, I now could conduct sampling technique in future research projects. It was difficult to introduce such a hypothesis based on research questions. As I had to recognise different issues with the approach, and I found it in the feasibility study. Therefore, the research methods module was the most significant support to undergo investigation for a research project.
To summarise, my subjective and research project experience was not so easy to perform and execute. However, the research method module was interesting and was able to help in actual research. Similarly, project management activities also go through the same research analysis. The quantitative data methods are useful to determine the forecast for activities done previously. Furthermore, they are converted into the form of pictorial representations such as pie charts, bar graphs, and line graphs.
On the other hand, qualitative data methods are considered, so that company information is analysed for other competitors. Henceforth, the subjective experience taught me how vital research methods are for project investigation. Whether it is in an academic sense, or professional, both ways research methods are always helpful.
Change in Feelings and Mood
The project experience brought positive results, including cooperation, creativity, performance, retention, resource sharing, social behaviour and engagement (Skiba & Wildman, 2019, p. 219). I also went through several feelings and moods while seeking temporary research project experience. Initially, I was concerned and apprehensive about how will I do my research for a specific topic. Here, I was getting impatient whether I will be approved for a project or not. Once I found approval for the item, I was happy and found it more interesting. However, verbal explanation part made me anxious and nervous due to lack of English communication skills with an instructor. I understood it was public speaking anxiety through which negative cognitions and behaviour responses change for individual and real presentation (Arnold, 2018).
As the research project moves forward, I found different emotions at different times. I was assigned to found research through resources, articles and peer-reviewed sources. It was very challenging and challenging for me in the beginning. However, instead of negative emotions, I was enthusiastic and confident to pursue the challenges. My verbal and written communication in the English language was not excellent. Due to the fact, my mother tongue was not English; I was fearful of that part.
Furthermore, I was not open to the librarian due to being shy and thus was unable to learn more. I also did not have much self-awareness for how other people are working for perusing individual decision-making differences from self-awareness in much more necessary (Lock, 2019).
Therefore, self-awareness was absent in me, which I improved much later. Similarly, I was confused at some point due to a different approach to research processes. Lastly, my emotions very much high when something new was to be conveyed in English. I was much more fearful of speaking anything wrong in front of people. Besides sharing information with others was uneasy due to my shyness and expressing insecurity.
Skills Evaluation
The research project was a temporary experience that helped me to develop some skills as well as competencies. The communication skills for verbal as well as written form, were improved. I understood that communication is an essential medium which could clearly describe my ideas and impress stakeholders through good language knowledge (Brière, Proulx, Flores, & Laporte, 2015, p. 121). Therefore, my English writing skills were helpful to understand instructor demand for the project.
Furthermore, I worked on some other aspects such as project planning, organisation, quality management, learning ability, social skills, self-awareness and self-confidence. However, my important skills were inferior, as I lack expressing qualities. It is an ability to influence actions, behaviours and opinions of others through six competencies such as leadership, conflict management, motivating others, negotiation, charisma, and persuasion (de Rezende, & Blackwell, 2019, p. 35). Hence, I found leadership skills absent due to limited authority over project task.
The teamwork skills were also absent as I did not have any interaction with other people and worked into isolation. My project task was not in group; however, in individual. However, there are several valuable lessons which I could learn. Four primary teamwork skills should be present in any workgroups such as conflict resolution, collaborative problem-solving, communication and goal-setting (Brock et al., 2017, p. 121). These competencies were absent except communication framework through English writing skills which I used for email responses.
Additionally, I developed personal qualities that helped to deal with situations — my learning ability developed due to seeking help from senior staff members. Further, I was confident and self-aware about speaking with other people. For example, personal quality such as humility makes research project work easy; whereas, social skills are required so that necessary knowledge transfer takes place among people (Brière, Proulx, Flores, & Laporte, 2015, p. 122). Henceforth, I can say that my social and personal skills are much improved after internship experience. However, I need to work on important skills and oral communication for making professional life more successful.
Analysis of Skills and Feelings
The feelings, as well as professional skills both, are interrelated to each other in university surroundings. I found that while seeking expert knowledge, my moods were also changing simultaneously. For example, my poor verbal and written English skills affected my feelings. The lack of communication made me nervous, anxious, shy, and a little bit apprehensive.
Furthermore, the lack of supervision made me confuse about working on the assignments whereas isolation was responsible for not building expressive and teamwork skills in a collaborative environment. However, self-awareness was improved so that I can put my thoughts forward. The research project learning experience taught me how to patient enough and learn as well as understand. My ideas for project management were quite clear but not vocal enough before the instructor.
Additionally, I was confident enough to seek and learn something new. I understood how important it is to deal with fear. Hence, I will make more changes in communication skills whereas leadership skills and teamwork experience are still missing. Therefore, I will work much more seek these skills with patience. Consequently, it is necessary to keep oneself calm and learn new things through an enthusiastic and positive approach.
Conclusion
Self-reflective journey for me was quite challenging as I learned a lot from past experiences. Further, I also faced professional and personal challenging during the semester journey. There were two types of lessons which I learned, such as subjective and research project experience. Whereas, the subjective experience taught me how to behave in academic settings and develop a critical approach.
On the other hand, the research project taught me how to use project management strategies in real life. Additionally, I learned everything in subjects such as portfolio management, risk and opportunity, research methods, and project feasibility theoretically. The research project allowed me to implement subject “research methods” effectively in real sense. I was appointed to the work on a research project as an isolated person only.
I also felt several emotions and developed skills from the overall experience. I improved capabilities such as social interaction, verbal and written communication, time management, quality insurance, integrity, self-awareness and confidence. While, I still lacked into leadership and influence skills, teamwork, motivating others and working into a collaborative environment. I have decided to complete the remaining skills with a practical action plan proposed in the report. The emotions and other feelings also changed as time passed from self-shyness to confidence. At the start, instructor interaction made me nervous due to poor English skills. However, I developed confidence and started speaking with other people. Still, I was shy and could not approach the faculty on specific issues. I was never sad; however, anxious to learn something new.
Therefore, my overall journey was very challenging and learned a lot from these temporary research project experience. I believe I will learn more when hopefully I get a real job as per higher educational aim. Furthermore, I have developed an action plan so that improvements for skills and emotions could be achieved. Lastly, the self-reflective journey made realises about my weakness and strength successfully.
Action Plan
I will apply goal-setting theory because it will influence me in a positive direction so that motivation and performance will be improved efficiently (Travers, Morisano & Locke, 2014, p. 225). Hence, the first part of the action plan will be the development of goals for future activities. Further, an event defines what type of work will be done for a particular goal. Whereas, resources are aspects, objects and personal conditions that are valuable and help to make the goals a considerable success (Schmitt, Belschak & Den Hartog, 2017, p. 443). Therefore, resources here are people who will help make my action plan successful. Lastly, the calendar is another concept that defines how much period will be taken to achieve these goals.
| Goal | Activity | Resources | Calendar |
| Leadership skills | Attend leadership development program and workshops. | Library resources will be helpful to search such programs.
Use the internet to gather workshops date, day and venue. |
Duration: 1 month
1. Plan to search for workshops. 2. Register yourself into such programmes and attend them. |
| Team collaboration skills | Be more supportive when team activities occur at the university campus. | Team sports techniques to apply while working in groups. | Duration: Upcoming semester
1. Work on how to interact with team members. |
| Generate self-motivation | Join motivational speaker groups and get to know them personally. | Check YouTube for motivational speakers and seek them for understanding. | Duration: 3 months
1. Prepare notes from YouTube videos. 2. Make a list of the need for motivation. |
| Self-control for emotions | Keep yourself calm and listen to music or engage in writing. | Go to the library and read or write something. | Duration: 1 month
1. Write a journal for personal experiences. 2. Join reading platforms. |
| Anger management | Anger management workshops | Search in newspapers | Duration: 7 days
1. Join therapy for anger management. |
| Research Methods applications
|
A study from books on qualitative and quantitative approach method for self-improvements | Library Help | Duration: 1 Month
1. Sit at the library for two hours. 2. Make notes on qualitative and quantitative analysis and implement practically. |
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