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Writing a report and a reflective report

Daniel Kevins

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For the main project report;

Identifies an issue or problem in (Petroleum Development Oman) that has multiple and varied approaches to its resolution. This should be a current or impending but not a past issue. You will identify and integrate a range of theories and techniques drawn from multiple appropriate disciplines from your MBA in the creation of appropriate solutions.

Once you have framed the problem you will identify and discuss relevant theories, models and paradigms related to the problem. Make sure that you look at the problem from different points of view and relate them to your learning from as many different units of the MBA. For example:

  • People – LMP, LP, MCI – how does your problem/ solution impact on the team & company? Performance, leadership, managing creativity/innovation etc.
  • Financial aspect – AfL – How will your solution improve/ impact positively on the financial aspect of the company?
  • Marketing – How does your problem/solution impact on the marketing dimension?
  • Strategy – From the Strategy unit (Business Strategy) and from TCGC (locating your problem / organisation within the wider context of global business/ sector – macro-environmental impact – PESTEL, etc.)
  • Operations Management – How does the problem/solution impact on the supply chain, procurement and operational management issues?
  • Project management – Consider the models for managing change and other project management theories or models. Can any of these be applied to your problem area? You may use the soft and hard systems approach within this context. Is there any other approach that would be appropriate? If so, present it (with appropriate referencing) and explain how and why it is more suitable to the task at hand.

    • This is not an exhaustive list and you may want to broaden the range of theories as you see fit. You will also want to be selective in the approach you adopt, justifying the selection methodologically. It is important to use an integrated approach rather than look at each dimension on its own.

    Having done this, which will be roughly half of your word count, You will need to produce a critical review of the literature where you will locate your work, discussing its broader contribution and demonstrating its distinctiveness. You will do this by critically evaluating the concepts, theories, models, etc., used and extending this to identify and review the wider body of knowledge and latest research in the field.

    For the reflection report;

    You produce a reflective account that critically evaluates your capabilities at managing the process of producing the Project and reflects upon your development during the MBA and future needs as a practitioner based on your learning during the Project.

    You are free to use your creativity and imagination in this regard. However, below are some guidelines for reflection on your MBA ‘journey’.

    This is an opportunity to think back on your learning experience and self-evaluate in terms of strengths and weaknesses. There is no prescription of format or content, but the following might help.

    Ask questions such as:

  • What have I learnt?
  • What could I do to improve and how?

    • Learning theory can be helpful in providing a framework of analysis.

    Consider, for example, Kolb’s Learning Cycle – experiential learning theory, 1984 and Rolfe et al’s Reflective Cycle, 2001 – What? So, what? Now what? Having undertaken the reflection/self-evaluation think about providing a personal development plan which includes realistic goals and time lines and aids the monitoring of progress.

    Reflection and self-evaluation are the key – supported by learning theory. Avoid description

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    Daniel Kevins

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