Reflective Journal 2
The three skills I have been working on are critical thinking, big data and independent
research. To improve on my critical thinking, I have started listening to the HighPerformance Podcast. Not only does this give invaluable insight into the minds of great
thinkers but it allowed me to gain more of an understanding of how to put into practice the
knowledge I already have and include critical thinking in my academic and personal life.
With regards to big data, I took the advice from one of my peers in the semester 1 group
coaching session and subscribed to the financial times using the universities affiliate link.
This has been extremely useful across the board in broadening my understanding of current
affairs and more importantly how much technology and data analytics can play a part in the
global business landscape. There were quite a few articles about Fintech and how it has been
instrumental along with big data analytics in helping the NHS adequately allocate PPE during
the pandemic. Lastly, my independent research was very much tested last semester with my
exams and assignments. After reflecting in the group coaching session, I made sure to start
my assignments with much more time to work with, allowing me to really critically assess the
articles I wanted to use as sources. In terms of semester 2, I have increased the scope of my
research and knowledge intake in general through podcasts, articles and informative Youtube
series’ related to Business Management.
This semester I have already attended the time management skill session and it has
given my a lot of tools to use to keep on top of my work from week to week but also get the
most out of the time I spend studying. Hopefully this should lead to good results come exam
season. The last two of my compulsory skill sessions will be on creativity and resilience. I
think these will help with both my independent research and critical thinking to really think
outside the box as well as keep going as research can become overbearing at times.
My impact activities are my job at Sainsbury’s and rugby. With Sainsbury’s this has
enriched my critical thinking more than I could have imagined. It is all about maximising
efficiency when deciding how to organise time and tasks effectively. Prioritizing and
evaluating the importance of tasks has instilled a more critical and analytical mentality and I
can already see this having a positive impact in my academic work when organising my time
and lectures. I also organised some discussions with my manager to gain a better
understanding of how big data is used in store. I was surprised to hear that it is used almost
every day to analyse which products are most popular, products that are lacking, that need
replaced/restocked and also when comparing stores across metrics such as sales and footfall.
It has given me a better understanding of the behind the scenes of businesses which I will
take forward with me in my studies when evaluating companies.
Finally, when I attend my group coaching in semester 2 I would like to hear from my
peers about what they have done and compare and contrast our experiences to gain a better
understanding from both what they have done but also what I could have done differently.