Each week you should write up your experiences in working on the project and group effectiveness.
- Was it difficult implementing the research?
- What dilemmas did you face in terms of deciding on research techniques?
- What incidents went well or badly?
- How did the group go about tackling the project?
- Were there any problems within the group (meeting times, different opinions)?
- How did you feel? How did you handle various situations?
- Each journal entry should explore what you have learnt about research and any issues/problems that arise and how you plan to deal with them. It can also be used as a 'to do list'.
- Your type-written journal should have anentry for each week. Clear headings should identify the week. Each entry should be around 100words. You can use expanded dot point for this section. In addition, include group evaluation form (Appendix 1).
Week 1:
During our first class, we learned that scientific research is a formalisation, systematic and rigorous process. I was really worried for this subject because research is never my strong suit. From my previous experiences I know that I would have issues with research method and research analyse. However the whole business research is group work so I hope I could do better with help from my team mate. By explaining step by step of research process, John and Melanie helped me better understand the process and tasks I needed to complete. Another key thing I learned in this week is the ethnic of research. There are various aspects of ethnic in business research which I must consider and follow. I believe this could help me to avoid mistakes to swiftly complete the research.
Week 2:
During our second lecture, I was taught the research objectives and research questions. I found this is the most important part of the business research because if we have a precise, clear objectives and research questions, I can address the topic much better and easier. I learned the important of brainstorm and mind map which were later used in our process of deciding theresearch topic and questions. During this week I was fortunate to group with three team members.We agreed to pick a topic that best suits our knowledge and strength. Our group decided our strength is marketing; so a research topic related to Marketing would make it easier. Thus we decide the objective for the group was to go home and think about a research topic related to marketing that he/she would like to do. Also we will think of the research questions and problem our team will be addressed as well. My original thought about the group is that they willing to spend time together to get the work done. During our first discussion, everyone contributed and respected each other idea and opinion which are the most important aspect of group work in my opinion.
Week 3:
Our group decided to have a team meeting every week after lecture. During our team meeting, we came up with various ideas of research topic and concluded that the research topic would be store brand. Then we use the ice-berg principle to come up with various questions regarding the objectives and research questions. Through discussion we decided on Coles and its store brand fresh milk. We had a long discussion to finalise the idea of the research questions. We were worried when Melanie commented on our research questions that they were too broad. Thus we have to clarify and try to be more precise with the components of the research question. Although there are some disagreement between our group members during the discussion but we were able to maintain our professionalism and manner to try and explain our ideas. From the lecture, we also understood that business research would require a lot of work, effort and time thus we agreed to try and finish each assignment 2 days earlier to give us some times to go through any issue arise.
Week 4:
In this week, we finally managed to get approval from Melanie for our research questions and topic. We felt the pressure of the time constraint as we need to hurry to complete the literature review of our research topic. During the team meeting, we divided the work between our members. There were some tensions between us because a team member was not happy with the amount of work she needed to complete. We discuss specifically about her parts to clear any misunderstanding and told her precisely the work that she need to do. We ensured that every team member feel they are being treated fairly.
Week 5:
In week 5 we had to submit our literature reviewed and our team focused on getting the job done. Although we all agreed on completing the literature review 2 days earlier but there are two members did not. I could understand that they have tests for other subjects during this week as well but I would really appreciate if they told me that they could not meet our agreed deadline. On Friday, we met to combine and submit our assignment. I voiced the issue with the rest of team. They apologised and agreed to let other team members know if he/she could not meet the agreed deadline for whichever reason. I used to have bad experiences with teamwork in other project before so I needed to ensure that it would not happen with this group because the amount of effort and work required for this research project is enormous.
Reflective Journal
At the end of the semester provide an overview of 500 words which draws on your journal to highlight your experience with undertaking research and working in a team. The overview should elaborate on your personal learning and reflections for future project work (how would you do things next time?).