Introduction
The Nestle Case Study that I did earlier outlined various strategies and concepts that relate to the multinational food corporation, Nestle. Essentially, through the application of numerous theories and knowledge, the case present a wide ranging perception of the corporate strategy, success and challenges. This paper is a reflective essay that is concerned about analyzing personal knowledge or theories applied in understanding the case study, evaluating the learning capacity and outlining the challenges faced during the entire learning process. Just like the case study, this paper will be structured in a questing and answer form.
Question 1: What Knowledge or theory helped you to make sense of the case study? And how did the case study assignment help you build your prior knowledge?
The case study, Nestle, is one of the most complex cases due to the organization size in terms of geographical coverage, market coverage, level of assets, and the human resource center. With regard to these aspects, I had to implement the acquaintance that I have gained in class and renowned module theories so as to understand the entire case within the time limit given. I had also to apply numerous learning modules and integrate them effectively so as to get the real essence of the case study.
Among the prominent theories in this case study include the Bruner’s Constructivist theory and Gagne’s conditions of learning theory. Principally, both theories helped me to analyze the essence of a learning process and means through which learning can take place easily and effectively. Bruner’s Constructivist theory helped me to apply the imaginative part using relevant knowledge provided by the case study. Also, the Bruner’s theory emphasizes on the significance of using cognitive or intellectual knowledge to expand the little information provided to give a wide ranging literature that is accurate and relevant. On the other hand, Gagne’s condition of learning theory emphasized on the use of aptitudes and skills in ensuring a learning process is effective. Also, this theory outlined instruction as the main aspect to consider in the learning process.
With the use of intellectual imaginative language and following instruction, I was able to analyze the case study easily and accurately. Though I was quite conversant with the learning process, these two theories have opened a new world of learning to me. I can now give relevant example and use intellectual skills more easily in interpreting financial statement and other corporate based operations. I also learnt that the learning process is dynamic and require maximum concentration and application of numerous concepts for each to be successful. With the integration of the diverse learning theories and personal experience, I anticipate to becoming a proficient learner in all the cases and modules that I might take in my time at school.
Question 2: In what ways, if any, did the module enhance your learning, professional and/or transferable skills?
I must admit that the module is one of the most educational cases I have done so far. This module is a mind opener in that it allows one to have a free mind and hence enable me to think with respect to a wider perspective. Regarding the time I was allocated to conduct the analysis, I had no option but to concentrate fully on the assigned task. Gradually, concentration has become a habit for me compared to earlier times where I was overly disturbed by personal and environmental nuisances. Perhaps, I have an increased level of confidence that I can analyze any form of business enterprise and create a reliable marketing plan or corporate strategy with regard to the analysis. I am sure the job market is quite competitive, and I have to have additional skills to survive in the labor market. Principally, the case provided me with crucial information of a company’s management system and the factors that may firm internationalization process. Therefore, in the future I will fit well in marketing manager position or in the research and development department since I have mastered the art of analysis within a given time limit.
Also, through using imaginative intellectual thinking, I think I can forecast on the future aspects that might affect the current business operations. However, considering that am still in school, I need to perfect the art of imaginative and application of proven theories in daily school operations that particularly reflects future job operations. However, saving time, increased concentration and ability to conduct evidence based research will put me at an imminent position in the job market.
Question 3: What issues did the learning processes outline in your answers to question 1 and 2 raise for you? What barriers or critical incidents did you experience? And how did you cope with them?
Among the critical issues that I discovered from the first question includes the importance of applying well proven theories in analyzing a case study. Also, I realized that learning is a dynamic process and, therefore; has to integrate numerous aspects so as to become successful. In the second question, I realized that it is critical to use self-evaluation skills to determine the level of learning that took place. Also, I realized that studying an already existing case study is more exciting than stressful since the case study will provide the go forward aspects that will act as guidelines. Moreover, the idea of researching for extra information is motivational. Nonetheless, applying theories as they are required is a process that took me some time due to mixed up feeling of confusion. However, I was able to figure it out and relate it to the case study.
Applying self-evaluation strategies, I think might have used more time in analyzing the study and coming up with a presentable evaluation. This might have been partly caused by an increased level of self-reliance and individuality. Though it is imperative to be self-reliant, I realize at times it is advisable to collaborate with other intellectuals to avoid wastage of time. Also, application of theories is another imminent challenge that I encountered during my endeavor. Though the theories I selected are strategic, application of imaginative intellectual thinking and at the same adhering to evidence based strategies was an imminent challenge. However, this challenge can be only solved through the application of forecasting tools and using relevant references that relate to the current corporate strategies.
Also, for the study to be successful, I had to analyze additional information from the company’s profile. Principally, accessing technologies and websites that have already analyzed Nestle Corporation was also a challenge. However, with the availability of the internet I managed to use diverse and numerous key words before I got the real information. Also, conducting such a case study might evoke legal repercussion since the information from the case study can be lethal if presented to competitors. This aspect made me adhere to a high level of ethical standard and omit some of the information that might be relevant.
Conclusion
Looking at the above reflective paper, the case study essentially equipped me with additional skills and learning capabilities. Moreover, I can now conduct self-reliant researches and maintain a high level of accuracy and employ numerous theories into practice. Though the module has been educational, I still think I have a duty to study ethical standard and measures to take while conducting such a research.
Bibliography
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Doherty, Kathryn L. and Daniel E. Garvey. Reflective Learning: Theory and Practice. Kendall: Kendall Hunt, 2000.
Gould, Jim. Learning Theory and Classroom Practice in the Lifelong Learning Sector. New York: SAGE, 2009.
Illeris, Knud. Contemporary Theories of Learning: Learning Theorists In Their Own Words. New York: Routledge, 2008.
Wong, Linda. Essential Study Skills. 7. New York: Cengage Learning, 2011.
