During the Co-operative Education, I focused on demonstrating competency inn BBUS learning goals. These goals include being self directed and a reflective learner and being knowledgeable in the field of study. In addition, there was need to develop critical enquiries capability and effective problem solving. Further, the aim of the practicum was to make me think ethically on issues that affect my field of study. Furthermore, the practicum attachment had the objective of developing collaboration and my ability to work together with all those in the field. These include bosses, clients, colleagues and other stakeholders in the industry. Lastly, the practicum set out to evaluate and enhance my communication skills and make me an effective communicator. Whereas possessing ideas is the first step towards innovation in any field, the curriculum appreciates the fact that the ideas would not yield anything if the bearers are not able to communicate them to those who would materialize the dreams.
Learning Goal 2: Be knowledgeable in their major field of study –demonstrating the application of knowledge from your major(s) to your Cooperative Education Placement
This report gives a reflection on the experiences I underwent during my Co-operative placement. In addition to giving a first-hand account on the experiences at work place I undertook the attachment, it builds on the lessons and units learnt in classroom prior to the placement. The report acknowledges the role of various courses and units covered in the course of the studies to prepare me to the level that I was able to be productive to other organizations. It provides a brief overview of the organization in which I performed by Co-Operative placement- LumberLink. The report dissects the key functions I performed at LumberLink. It dissects the range of theories and concepts, models and frameworks as well as the technical competencies from my major.
- Reflect on any gaps, differences and/ or similarities between your theoretical knowledge from your major(s) and the application in practice at your placement.
One of the major lessons I learnt from the placement at LumberLink is the essence of asset portfolio. An asset portfolio is essential in defining a company’s investment plan and the success of the company’s portfolio. An investor needs to identify with the company’s portfolio to determine the particular asset allocation procedure to be used. This is essential in verifying if a company’s investment goals and strategies that can be applied in making future predictions. The portfolio should meet the future needs of the company and an investor interesting in making an essential investment in the company. This is achieved by constructing a portfolio that is aligned to the goals of the company in addition to their investment strategies. Developing a viable asset management portfolio is essential when investing in a company’s equity and in choosing the required stock. A properly designed asset management portfolio is also essential in protecting investors from the volatile economic situation.
Further, the use of an asset portfolio is critical in making a viable investment portfolio design that guides an investor in the investment decision. This is also informed by the concept of maximizing the returns of the risks that have been taken by the investors. Investing in equity portfolios maximize returns of the given risks as per the level of risks considered and acceptable risks. A well formulated asset portfolio is also essential in minimizing the risks of an investment return. The assets should be well estimated to ensure that the investor is sure of the investment decision he is about to make. A portfolio can be calculated using a combination of risky assets and excluding assets that are risk free. One can also plot for every combination of expected returns against points that are provided in the space. They are done in a graphical presentation where the provided space is represented in the vertical axis while the risky assets are represented in the horizontal axis.
LumberLink is a company that serves Thailand citizens. The company is situated in an expansive space that has a lot of stock brought forth for the service of customers. There are a number of promotions that are carried out to attract customers who live within or without the vicinity of the city. Some of the departments that are present in the shopping center include Vegetables and fresh fruits, meat, chicken and meat, bakery, electronics, household suits and garments. The company has assets including vehicles and buildings and stocks that are enough to serve customers for the next several months. There is a high chance that the liquidity of the company can handle investments for willing investors. The following is an asset portfolio for LumberLink Company.
Asset Portfolio for LumberLink Company
The choice of these assets is informed by their performance in the stock market and their equity value. The choice of stocks is essential in the design of a portfolio as investors prefer stocks with a superior value. This can enable the investor make the relevant choice by evaluating the earnings of the company and performance of their stocks in the securities market. This is attributed to the fact that efficient markets are created by well performing stocks of organizations. They also enable investors get higher returns in the instance that takes higher risks in relation to the stocks that are available. The stocks of LumberLink are known to perform well in the securities exchange market as they are worth much more than the other stocks. Although the efficient market estimates may be controversial they play a significant role in informing the investor about the most appropriate decision to make. The management of an asset portfolio is also essential because it illustrates the position of the company in the investments markets.
- Discuss the significance of your role and the value that you have added to your CPO. This may include reflecting and expanding on your personal attributes, your performance in the role (with evidence) and how your role has contributed to the broader objectives of your CPO.
Values Work-Based Learning
Social work values refer to those traits that are regarded as worthy or valuable in the context of social work. They are the general beliefs regarding the nature of a good society. These values are achievable through actions and are thus evident through how an individual carries out himself. They are the desirable qualities and character traits expected of a professional practitioner.
Personal values change over time, and the personal traits I had before the attachment had a slight modification by the time I was through with the work-based learning. Before setting to undertake the work-based learning, I was motivated, energized and inspired to work for a goal. I cared passionately about providing the best possible business and administrative care I could deliver. My zeal to work and achieve my objectives and ultimate goals pushed my potential, and throughout my search for an institution to be placed, I was anxious to get working and direct my energy in the right direction.
Since I was aware of the code of ethics of business profession, I had amoral obligation to keep professional in all my undertakings. I, therefore, upheld the values of confidentiality and integrity. I knew that the business profession does not allow business people to divulge any information about a client against the legal procedures. I was prepared to uphold a high level of integrity and adherence to the requirements of the profession to the latter. I was also prepared to deliver my duties with diligence and utmost good faith. Clients I would later deal with needed compassion, and I had to be prepared to be clement and sacrificial in dispensing my duties.
What I desired to Gain from the Work-Based Session
Having gathered a lot of theoretical information about business administration, I had great hopes to be able to put the knowledge gathered into action. I was determined to see practical ways of applying the information learnt and give my best to the society. In addition, my major desire was to provide care to the society. I wanted to give my contribution to the society in the best way possible. Other than these, I aspired to improve my post graduate employment opportunities. I also wanted to assess the work place and understand the expectations of the field before graduation. Most of all, I desired to expand and refine my technical knowledge in the field of business carried out by LumberLink.
Part of the work I did at LumberLink centered its attention in analyzing the questions of urban politics, economics and governance. The duties provided interesting arguments on economic and fiscal policies of urban centers. Upon covering insightful approach to the manner in which cities should be governed and the economy of the urban center, LumberLink offered critical look on issues of fiscal and economic policies of urban centers. In the process of solving financial and economic questions of cities, the company looked at the political questions that would provide solution for a city’s growth. In particular, it dissected the role the government should play through the local governments to solve economic quagmires of cities associated with competition for limited resources.
The company suggested one of the effective ways to be attracting creative individuals. LumberLink admitted the fact that there are social disagreements and differences concerning the use of urban space. Different people would wish to use the urban space in different ways. The space that everyone wants to use for their own interest is limited in supply. In ensuring economic use of the limited urban space, the author suggests that a city must attract creative minds. He gives an example of a piece of land that investors may want to use for building a building for office space. Environmentalists may view the same space as a perfect place for a recreational park. At the same time, skateboarders may look at the space and claim to the government that it provides the best playground for skateboarding. In order to solve such a dilemma in the best economically, politically and socially way, a city needs individuals who are creative enough to accommodate all the requirements of the parties.
The other solution to fiscal and economic challenges of cities that the company suggested is the consideration of fiscal and economic situations of cities based on social considerations. The governance bodies of cities should consider the implications of ethnic groupings, ethnicities and social groupings in the city. An example that the author gives is the Mexican group in Los Angeles. He explains that economy of Los Angeles cannot grow without inclusion of all groups in the city. He notes that in the event that the people of Mexican origin cannot vote due to their questionable immigration, they may not be able to air their voices on economic policies of the city. In the same light, the economy of Parisian suburb stands a chance of deteriorating if political policies sideline Franco-Algerians (Harvey, Arnstein, Molotch, Thompson, Porter, & Orfie, 2001).
Finally, the company illustrated that there is a close relationship between realization of economic targets of a city and the politics and governance of the city. Wilbur Thompson dissects the relationship between finances and governance and politics. In particular, the economists point out that good governance is the backbone of formulation of good decision making. These decisions include fiscal policies that are fundamental for economic development of every city. They are policies of greater fiscal equality of cities. In addition, decisions that governance bodies of metropolis make help cities focus on the advantages they have over other metropolitan areas to spur their economic growth. He notes that some of the factors that could place a metropolis ahead of others in its efforts to improve economically are skilled labor and availability of resources (Harvey, Arnstein, Molotch, Thompson, Porter, & Orfie, 2001).
Learning Goal 3: Be critical enquirers and problem solvers
LG3 (Part 1) – Be critical enquirers and problem solvers (internal environment) by
- identifying and critically analysing interrelationships within the organisation and
As I worked in LumberLink Company, I came to understand and appreciate a number of theories of cooperative management. The basics of management that were mere theories before the placement became feasible and I was able to understand the functions of management better. Management is the most essential part of any organization. Organization’s management performs five fundamental duties; controlling, directing, staffing, organizing and planning.
Planning involves deciding on what an organization needs to do, how to do it, when to do it and with whom to do it. It is concerned with determining the objectives of an organization and how to achieve the goals, clearly indicating a time frame. Organizing involves putting in place the ways to achieve the set objectives. It involves division of tasks that lead to realization of goals and objectives of the organization.
Directing is a function of management that involves leadership. The people chosen to perform particular tasks need supervision and direction on how to perform their duties. The management of an organization does this supervision and leadership through directing. It involves more than merely giving directions to one’s juniors on what to do. The directing duty also involves motivating one’s team members to perform optimum towards achieving the set goals and objectives.
Staffing, on the other hand involves assessing and evaluating of suitable individuals to take over positions in an organization, and placing them in the positions they most qualify to serve. The management determines the requirements of the job, makes advertisements on the available vacancies and takes the responsibility to hire the best candidate. This is usually after interviews. Thereafter, the management does orientation of the new staff member, trains him and places him. It also involves checking the progress of the new employee as far as performance of his duties is concerned.
Controlling involves determining whether or not the resources available for operations of a company are used effectively. It has a close link with planning since it entails checking if the allocated resources have been utilized properly. Tools such as auditing could be employed to control the use of resources in an organization.
Safety incentive programs are essential in ensuring organizations are lured into practicing safe methods of production. This is essentially important in the manufacturing industry that produces a lot of wastes in form of gases and solid debris. Incentives that promote the use of methods that reduce production of poisonous gases are necessary to reduce illnesses and environmental degradation. Although the overall burden is borne by the tax payers who have to pay more to cover for the incentives, the long term result of saving humanity is priceless.
3) Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Need for self actualization include acceptance of facts, lack of prejudice, spontaneity, morality, problem solving and creativity
- Need for esteem include confidence, self acceptance, respect for others, respect by others and achievement.
- Need for love and belonging include sexual intimacy, family and friendship
- Need for safety include security of the body, security of employment, security of resources and property
- Physiological needs include breathing, food, sex, sleep, water, excretion and homeostasis
- critically analysing and evaluating how they are managed by your CPO
A lot of skills I applied in the work-based learning were gained in class. I give credit to all my instructors and teachers who never gave up on me in ensuring I get the right information and skills towards achieving my dreams. From my studies of cooperatives, I gained factual and practiced skills concerning the field of co-operatives. I learnt the need to formulate and construct methodology for analyzing social and personal situations. By so doing, I was able to apply these methodologies to come up with the best solutions to personal and social problems that affect the society. My studies as a business administration student helped me gain the ability to prescribe solutions according to a person’s actions.
In addition, I had the knowledge of skills applied in determining the efforts of an individual worker. This made me aware of the expectations of my employer during the period of placement. I was, therefore, aware of how the supervisor would assess my performance during the oncoming work place learning. Further, my studies equipped me with the professionalism and expected behaviour to achieve the set objectives and goals of the organization I would be placed. I, therefore, knew the characteristics and traits to portray to obtain outstanding performance during the attachment period. This assortment of knowledge enabled me to know and comprehend the needs of prospective clients. Providing the care required to the situations of specific clients would be easier to prescribe.
Legal aspects of co-operatives and business operations were part of the vast knowledge I possessed before the placement. In the event that a practitioner breached the code of ethics of business profession, he would be charged in a court of law and become a defendant in the case implicating him. If the defendants are confirmed guilty, the court issues a court order for monetary damages. The order may be to pay the plaintiff a certain amount of money depending on the degree of harm, injury or loss. It may also be an imposition on an increase in malpractice premiums for the doctors or the state licensing board may review the case and restrict or cancel the license of the nurse and/or the nurse. Medical malpractice can take many forms including the following misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, surgical mistakes, and emergency room errors, lack of informed consent, pharmaceutical errors, birth injuries and hospital negligence among others
As a business administration student, I understood the need for business professionals to inculcate informed education to the society in which they work. I comprehended that as a business professional, I needed to support the community and educate them in ways that are socially and culturally acceptable. In disseminating information that is of help to a society, business people need to appreciate the diverse social and cultural components of the societies they work in. the success of such processes are borne not only by the social and business workers, but also the entire community. I had prior knowledge that the patients, their families and other business stakeholders are part of this success. Therefore, as a business professional, the education efforts I make have to be a collaborative exercise between the patients, the community, families and other stakeholders. Due to this knowledge, I went into the field for institutional based learning ready to work with all these groups to make my efforts viable.
Work-based learning is the strategies employed by schools to allow their students go beyond the classroom scenario and develop practical skills in the society. It provides students with an opportunity to experience and consider other areas related to their fields of study; and make informed decisions in the event that they need to further their studies. Students learn to embrace the specific work behaviours relevant to their fields of study. One gets to apply the theoretical skills learnt in class and make use of them to change the society. It is a platform that prepares learners for their careers. In addition, those involved get to make the relevant professional connections so as to secure opportunities as soon as they are through with their studies.
LG3 (Part 2) –Be critical enquirers and problem solvers (external environment) by identifying and critically analysing the impact of the external environment on your CPO and its industry
Ethical leadership can greatly enhance organizational performance. An ethical corporate culture has a close association with a commitment to quality, trust, customer satisfaction, financial performance and employee commitment. Managers have an opportunity to take a proactive role in cooperating ethical concerns into strategic business planning. There is public policy support urging top managers to take responsibility for organizational ethics. Ethical leadership plays a primary role in organization performance. It is wise for businesses to be ethical. An ethical culture of an organization emerges from strong leadership. Several rewards accrue to ethical leadership. Top in the list of the benefits are improved efficiency in daily business operations and decisions making. In addition, a business enterprise with ethical culture enjoys employee commitment. In turn, quality of products and service delivery by employees improve. This leads to customer loyalty and increased clientele base. The long-run outcome of these positive progresses is increased sales and outstanding financial performance.
Companies use several organizational or leadership approaches to reach their goals associated with ethical culture. From the textbook Business ethics: Ethical decision-making and cases, a case entitled “LumberLink’s Mission: Social Responsibility and Brand Strength” features. The case highlights dilemma LumberLinks Company faced in its decision-making process as it tried to incorporate firm ethical foundation in its dealings. The coffee beverage company had to consider a change of leadership style from what it had practiced for ages to a new approach. Traditionally, LumberLinks Company considered Trait Leadership Theory as the best option. This leadership theory lays emphases on the traits of individual manager. The company chose its leadership from belief that some people are born with special traits and characteristics that allow them to lead.
Some of the traits the company considered most fundamental in its leaders included intelligence and trust. To attain a leadership position at LumberLinks Company, one had to be of high intelligence quotient and trustworthy. The leader needed to accept responsibilities easily. Further, there was an emphasis on the need to understand the need of followers. The leader had to be able to motivate people. Good decision-making was the other significant trait the company’s Trait Leadership Theory demanded of its managers and team leaders. Furthermore, the leader needed to be assertive and exercise a great deal of self-confidence. Finally, the firm believed that only leaders with the ability to wield power and demand respect were fit to take leadership roles. The Train Leadership Theory assumes that these traits are core to all leaders irrespective of organizations they lead.
Corporate social responsibility is the first issue that all businesses have to observe in today’s market. Ethical responsibility ensures that a firm is in good terms with all its stakeholders. An ethical business enterprise keeps and fulfills its promises. It does not need lawsuits and legal tussles to undertake its obligations to its stakeholders. In a political platform, such an enterprise keeps peaceful coexistence with all regimes. It avoids practices that may put its reputation at stake. In societies where corruption is rampant, ethically responsible enterprises avoid engaging in fraudulent practices. Ethical responsibility demands that the firm pays taxes, abides by all legal requirements, treats employees professionally and meets its financial obligations to its stakeholders.
Socially responsible firms keep in touch with the social needs of the society they operate within its boundaries. Such businesses strive to help meet the pressing needs of the societies. Social responsibility pushes the firms to contribute to health issues, infrastructural development and provision of social amenities to their host communities. They often directly or indirectly contribute in activities such as medical camps, water and electricity provision, sports and talent search and academic scholarships. Social responsibility keeps the enterprise in warm relationship with the community around. The long run effect is increased clientele loyalty, a boost in sales and subsequently high profitability.
Many benefits accrue to firms that maintain ethical and legal responsibility. The firms save fortunes by avoiding lawsuits that cost firms millions of dollars. The firm remains focused to its core objectives. Effective management becomes possible. As a result, an ethically and socially responsible firm always meets its targets. It captures large markets and increases its sales. Responsibility to ethical and social issues keeps the firm in good light. Clientele loyalty becomes irresistible. In addition, a responsible enterprise contributes to the development of the country in which it operates. There is also need to be ethically and socially responsible to sustain a healthy environment and avoid negative externalities associated with wrong production methods.
LG3.3 –Discipline Research Topic: Developing your skills as a critical enquirer and problem solver
As I undertook my attachment at LumberLink Company, I had an insight on the need to change the world for the better. Given the operations and efforts of LumberLink to preserve the greenery of the environment, I came to acknowledge the need to preserve the environment and make the world better. With dedication to the course of changing the world, there are a variety of qualities that should be evident in the society. The society should entail a set of institutional frameworks that make it possible for people to live in peace. We will have a society that is free of threats to people and their properties. There will be complete absence of corruption and lawlessness. The institutions will also prevent those in authority from exercising excess powers. Misuse of powers for selfish gains of political and state leaders will be an issue of the past. When we take charge of the change we want, there will be freedom of every man and woman in the universe to live their lives as they wish. For realization of flourishing of every member of the society, there has to be peaceful coexistence promoted by well structured institutions.
There would be prevalent agreement that a good civilization would offer its members with a scale of safety against probable threats to personage flourishing. For example it would make an effort to uphold good foreign associations and present nationalized defence capacity sufficient to discourage foreign antagonism; it would preserve safeguards against regime corruption and maltreatment of the coercive powers of the country. It would maintain apt machinery to avert or deal with ecological disasters; it would check the calamity of the commons by sustaining suitable institutions for tenure, pricing and use of innate resources.
In addition, our efforts to better the world and change it to what we desire will be fully realized when citizens have equal opportunities to own what they desire. All human beings have the right to have affects that make life comfortable. Such opportunities include having equal chances to flourish economically and academically. Everyone will have chance to live long and healthy lives with equal business opportunities and appreciation of cultural pursuits. People will have opportunities to make core decisions concerning their country’s governance and families.
Learning Goal 5: Be able to work collaboratively
Aspect 1 – One point of weakness that I observed and desired a change in was my language proficiency. I was sure to be placed in an area dominated by native English speakers. Since I am not a native English speaker, I sensed it would not be easy to communicate with the clients efficiently. I realized this weakness several months before and had been working on my spoken English. A successful completion of this task would bridge the language barrier between my clients and I, and enable me achieve my goal for superior business administration.
As I undertook my attachment at LumberLink Company, I had an insight on the need to change the world for the better. Given the operations and efforts of LumberLink to preserve the greenery of the environment, I came to acknowledge the need to preserve the environment and make the world better. With dedication to the course of changing the world, there are a variety of qualities that should be evident in the society. The society should entail a set of institutional frameworks that make it possible for people to live in peace. We will have a society that is free of threats to people and their properties. There will be complete absence of corruption and lawlessness. The institutions will also prevent those in authority from exercising excess powers. Misuse of powers for selfish gains of political and state leaders will be an issue of the past. When we take charge of the change we want, there will be freedom of every man and woman in the universe to live their lives as they wish. For realization of flourishing of every member of the society, there has to be peaceful coexistence promoted by well structured institutions.
Aspect 2- Personal strengths are individual characteristics that are regarded as personal competencies and internal assets. They are associated with one’s development and subsequent success. They are positive developmental outcomes do not cause resilience and are demonstrated when innate capacity is engaged. These strengths can be measured, observed and seen. One has to consider his strengths before deciding to undertake a cause. A number of times, strengths are natural and lack of certain strengths makes one incapable of performing certain activities.
Before undertaking my placement, I evaluated my strengths against my weaknesses. Some of the strong points that placed me in a good position to take on responsibilities of a business person included my ability to co-operate and work with others. Furthermore, my analysis revealed that I am good matured, generous and humble. Lack of judgmental attitude gave me an edge higher to tackle the demanding responsibilities of a social worker. Another point of strength was my modesty and trust for other people. These are strengths that made me believe that I was ready to be placed and carry out the requisite duties.
Reflection and analysis of your overall development in LG 5
Upon reflecting on the experiences of the placement at LumberLink, it is sensible to conclude that the aims of the placement were considerably met. These goals include being self directed and a reflective learner and being knowledgeable in the field of study. In addition, there was need to develop critical enquiries capability and effective problem solving. Further, the aim of the practicum was to make me think ethically on issues that affect my field of study. Furthermore, the practicum attachment had the objective of developing collaboration and my ability to work together with all those in the field. These include bosses, clients, colleagues and other stakeholders in the industry. Lastly, the practicum set out to evaluate and enhance my communication skills and make me an effective communicator. All these goals were met and I was a better communicator, thinker and problem solver at the end of the practicum. In addition, I had a better understanding of theories of management that were not clear before the placement.
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