Student 1:
During the group project, I focussed on collaborating with other members, and it was possible because I consistently asked questions and communicated my ideas. I took the responsibility of assigning or allocating the individual parts of the task. The chosen topic on supply chain covers a broad area, and the project is supposed to be free-flowing. Hence, keeping the end goal in mind, I focussed on collaboration, communication and teamwork. Moreover, I played the role of the project leader, and it was my added responsibility to contribute towards the project in the best possible way. Hence, in order to achieve the desired result, the focus has been given on individual decision-making. I was responsible for writing the introductory part as well as contribute towards identifying the common issues that occur in the supply chain. Moreover, as a leader of the group, I focussed on leading the discussion with the help of open-ended questions. I also facilitated brainstorming so that clarifying and summarizing the topic becomes easier. The usage of open-ended questions has allowed my group members to arrive at positive statements. The answers from the group members have been collected and used in the report. Queries and doubts were discussed during the brainstorming session.
Student 2:
I acted as an organizer of the group and was responsible for scheduling meetings and keeping the changes in the project on track. As an organizer, I am supposed to look at the “big picture”, and therefore, consistent efforts have been made to sidetrack small issues. Scheduling meeting was part of my role, and setting the agenda of the meeting was also my job. Group members were in constantly communicating with me while the project was ongoing. During group meetings, I took notes from every member and after the end of the meeting; I ensured that everyone receives the notes. I recommended everyone to use Skype for group meetings as it was impossible to schedule a face-to-face meeting. We also used emails and other chat applications to ensure the flow of discussion. The chosen topic is highly complex and new for us. Hence, I encouraged everyone to provide their inputs. I also faced issues while scheduling meetings. Continuing the meetings became a challenge because few members refused to compromise with their time. Therefore, I tried to be as considerate as possible and prepared the schedule that is suitable for all four of us. As a result, the group meetings were successful.
Student 3:
As a primary researcher of the group, I was tasked with conducting in-depth research on the chosen topic. I conducted research on supply chain industry and transformations that are currently occurring due to the advent of blockchain technology. I came across various websites, scholarly journals and books relevant to the topic. However, my task was to identify the right resources and therefore, I focussed on narrowing my search. Only peer-reviewed articles and journals have been selected to ensure the authenticity of the group project. The information, along with the sources, has been shared with group members to reach a consensus. During the project, I faced challenges because one group member was striving for perfection while the other two were satisfied with the research materials. Hence, managing their expectations as a researcher of the group has been challenging for me. The tension was created among the members. Therefore, I suggested everyone have realistic expectations because the action of one member will affect the other members. I have also focussed on re-reading the materials every time before presenting it to the members. Based on an agreed plan, further steps have been taken. Ultimately, I have been able to contribute to the project without getting stuck.
Student 4:
I acted as the editor of the group, and my job was to edit the completed work so that errors can be reduced. I was also responsible for compiling different pieces, and therefore, I listened to the leader, researcher and the organizer because I am supposed to work in a collaborative manner. I have followed the guidelines of the assignment and ensured that the completed project had been written in accordance to the guidelines. My goal was to make the report look presentable. Moreover, I further contributed towards writing the last section of the report and therefore, took guidance from the researcher of our group. As an editor, my role was time-consuming and challenging. Losing patience was common, as well. Group conflict was prevalent, and it was difficult to focus on the task at hand. Therefore, I strived towards reaching reconciliation and focussed on addressing conflicts in a respectful manner. Our leader has already assigned the project duties evenly, and I showed enthusiasm in completing my task. Additionally, as an editor, my role was to think critically and keep personal feelings of biases aside. I looked for alternatives when I came across sections in the report that seemed unnecessary.