ACADEMIC & TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Revision Case Study:
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CHANCE NOTA
Written by Dr Kostantinos Dimopoulos
Chance Nota has just finished high school and likes business very much. He dreams of
taking over the family business. Therefore he has decided to study Business Studies at the
University. He has just moved to a new city, where he found a house to rent with two more
students of the same University. As a new student, Chance decided to keep a diary about
his activities in the University. The diary is as follows:
Week 0
Monday October 1st:
Today was the first day of the “induction week”. I am not sure what that means but
it was interesting. I met all the new students and the lecturers and they told us
about the classes we will have and how we will be marked. It sounded so easy.
Apparently I only need 40% to pass. That is easy!
Thursday October 4th:
We had an introduction to the computer lab today. We went to a room full of
computers and they showed us how to log on and read our University e-mail. I do
not need this, really, I have my e-mail at gmail and it is much better. They also
showed us the website of the University and of the units. They look nice and we
can download the lecture notes from there. This is great, since it means that I can
get all units’ notes printed from there and I do not have to write much or take
notes during the class! Oh, there is a party tonight. I think I am going to like it
here.
Friday October 5st:
We had another meeting today. They gave us our weekly schedule and some other
papers, something called coursework map. I did not hear what it was at the time
because I was tired from the party last night. Maybe I will ask a fellow student later.
Week 1
Tutorial #2
Autumn Semester
Monday October 8th:
Our first lectures were held today. Two hours of Maths and two more on Principles
of Management! I do not know about the Principles of Management, but I do not
like Maths! My head spins. I came back home, had a quick lunch and slept for 3
hours straight! I went for a drink afterwards with the guys. I love this city!
Wednesday October 10th:
I was late for the class today! Not only that, but I went to the same classroom as
Monday and no-one was there. I thought we had a lecture, but apparently we had
a class in the lab! I was 20 minutes late. The lecturer did not like this and I did not
know what I had to do. The lecturer helped me but I ended up watching what the
other students were doing.
Tutorial #2
Autumn Semester
Week 2
Monday October 15 :
th
Our first coursework for Academic Skills was given to us. I have no idea what it is
about and it looks very difficult. I was late for class again and missed the first hour
of classes. Unfortunately, the lecturer was explaining the coursework handout and I
missed it, but it is hard for me to wake up at 8 on Monday morning.
Wednesday October 17th:
I discussed the coursework with my friends and I have an idea of what to do now.
Also I do not have to submit anything for 5 weeks, so plenty of time.
Friday October 19th:
The lecture today was so boring! The lecturer had nice slides and I understood
everything, but I almost fell asleep. At one point he asked a question and I could
not answer it. It was very embarrassing.
Week 3
Monday October 22nd:
Maths on a Monday morning! I cannot stand it. Thank God I missed the first hour
again! I cannot understand the material. I will have to study this more at home.
Wednesday October 24th:
I read the slides of the Maths lectures 3 times so far. I think I understand it now. It
is a good thing I did! The lecturer told us that we have a quiz next Tuesday!
Principles of Management are starting to be a problem! I cannot understand it! I
keep on reading the case studies over and over again, but no use. I hope that the
lecturer will solve similar exercises on the board and I will understand them then.
Friday October 26th:
Thank God this week is over! Finally, it’s weekend! I can relax a bit. I should study
this weekend for the Maths quiz on Tuesday, maybe tomorrow.
Saturday October 27th:
In the morning John called and we went for a coffee. It was nice to see him again.
We had lunch also. Afterwards I went home and slept for a few hours. Later on I
got a call about a party. Must study tomorrow!
Sunday October 28th:
Tutorial #2
Autumn Semester
Great day today! I woke up late after the party last night and went for a coffee.
Later on I went to the cinema! I will study for the quiz tomorrow. Anyway I have
studied last week and it was not difficult!
Week 4
Monday October 29th:
I hate morning lectures! I was late again! I read the Maths lecture notes again
today! I can understand most of the material, so I think I can get a 40% to 50% in
the quiz and pass!
Tuesday October 30th:
Good thing I studied yesterday! I think I did well and passed.
Wednesday October 17th:
A second coursework was given to us today! This one is for Principles of
Management again. We have not submitted the first one yet to the other lecturer!
Anyway this I have to submit next Friday.
Week 5
Monday October 29th:
I did not feel like going to the lectures today and stayed home. I will download the
lecture notes tomorrow and read them!
Wednesday October 31st:
On Friday I have to submit the coursework for Principles of Management. I will start
it today!
Friday November 2nd:
Submitted the coursework in the last moment! It was scary for a minute when the
printer run out of paper and I had to find more. Anyway, TGI Friday!
Week 6
Monday November 5th:
I started the coursework for Academic Skills today! Man this is hard!
Wednesday November 7th:
We have to submit the coursework today! I have to skip the classes in order to
complete it!
Tutorial #2
Autumn Semester
Friday November 9th:
Catastrophe! I did not pass the Maths quiz! I got a 25%. Why? I understood the
lecture slides! To top it, I submitted the Academic Skills coursework today, two days
late! If I can call this a submission! I do not think I can pass!
Week 11
Friday December 21 :
st
Finally after an exhausting semester, vacations are here! I can go home and study
for the exams. That is what the lecturers are telling me. In three weeks I am sure I
can find the time to download the lecture slides and read them.
Week 12 (After Christmas)
February 22nd:
My parents will not like this! I failed English because of absences! Apparently I was
getting an e-mail every week warning me about the absences, but I never used my
University e-mail! I have failed the coursework part of Principles of Management
too. I have barely passed Computing Skills for Business and I have to re-sit the
coursework of Academic Skills! I hope next semester goes better.
Nota Chance!
Tutorial #2
Autumn Semester