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STRENGTHS :
(1) DEDICATED, KNOWLEDGEABLE, MOTIVATING, FIRM, FAIR, ALWAYS AVAILABLE AND GREAT LEADER IN COURSE COORDINATOR (MS. KARIMA MOHAMMED)

(2) GREAT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE BY E-TUTOR (MS PARRIS)

(3) COURSE MATERIAL WAS RELEVANT AND REMAINED FOCUSED ON TOPIC BEING ADDRESSED AT ALL TIMES

(4) SUPPORTIVE LINKS AND VISUAL AIDS TO ALLOW STUDENTS TO GRASP CONCEPT BEING PRESENTED

(5) VERY INTERACTIVE THEREBY PREVENTING STUDENTS FROM BECOMING TOO COMPLACENT AND FORGET THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES

WEAKNESS:-
(1) NO BBC WITH E-TUTOR
(2) WORK SCHEDULE & DEMANDS ESPECIALLY AT THE BEGINNING OF SEMESTER

OPPORTUNITIES:

(1) MADE NEW FRIENDS THROUGH GROUP WORK
(2) EXPAND MY KNOWLEDGE ON RESEARCH
(3)  LEARNT NEW PROGRAMS (SCREEN-O-MATIC)

THREATS:-
(1) GIVING UP
(2) FAILING

"Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." ECCLES 7:8

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This entire unit, from session 1's Data Collection to 3's Field Study,  was revision to me.   Most of those concepts like what is data, types of data (Primary & Secondary) and of course what the sources of gathering data was all revision.   Field work, the nature and processes of if were also revision to me.

Only learned point was the 4 types of Triangulation (Theory Train, Investigation, Methodological & Source),

Adequate links were provided and sufficient visuals to allow for full grasp of the concepts being taught in the unit.

Leah

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This unit presented the basic concepts of research methodologies (Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed) concepts not new to me as so acted as revision.

Session 2 which addressed the concepts of Conceptualization and Measurement were the areas where I learnt. The ideal of putting a thought into perspective prior to commencing any serious research was new to me.  The different tenets of measuring the data collected was also a welcome area to be appraised of.

Finally, Session 3 on the Sampling and non-sampling Probabilities and Errors was again revision for me.

Again, great presentation of the material with appropriate and identifiable references in unit

Leah

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UNIT 3 -- COMMUNICATION IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS

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UNIT 3 -- COMMUNICATION IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS

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This unit, in my view, covered our 3 major assignments. The Proposal,  The Report and the Oral Presentation.

Session One on the Proposal was very very informative and as such I learnt quite a bit on how to go about preparing and presenting my Research Proposal.  There was ample visual aid, many links for guidance and of course the material itself furnished students with guidance for the proposal.

Session 2 which addressed the Actual Research Report was lacking.   When I considered the amount of work required for the report, I felt that  2 pages with barely any links for support and guidance and only one visual was insufficient.    Even sessioin 3 on the oral presentation had more appropriate links,

Overall a great overview of the 3 major projects required for this course.

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INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH REPORT

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INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH REPORT

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At the BBC session with Ms. Mohammed, when the idea of something new, especially technologically, was presented to students, I was ecstatic.    I felt, I will get to learn something new, something I could learn to use and use in my everyday life at the office.

And do I looked forward to the time when it was required of me to  use the program and present accordingly,

Learning point for the week: How to use Screen-O-Matic

Challenge: Was not as simple as it sounds. Have to ensure slides match married with not reading but actually presenting your report.

Great initiative Madam Mohammed!!!!!  Helped with the nerves associated with live presentations.   Also allowed for proper review of peers' recording to be able to ask more sensible questions to each other.

Leah

And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Malachi 3:3"

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Having now read and understanding the concept of the Business Research, what exactly it entails right down to Ethical Issues, I felt ready to tackle unit 2 on the actual research Process.

Most applicable unit to me for this course!!!  Every single section of this unit was very applicable to the entire programme and in particular to the preparation of the Report Proposal.

New to me was the Research Process, with particular mention to the 6 Stage Process and I commend UWI for Learning Activity 2.1 #1 (you tube video) which clearly detailed those 6 stages.   However,  I also hold the view that a few more links or even write up on those could be done.

The other sections of the unit which addressed the Problem Definition and the Literature Review were also very informative.   Excellent supporting links by UWI as well as the visual aids .   Still of the opinion that, considering the weight of this unit, a little more examples should be presented to support this unit.

Leah

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At face value, anyone employed within the Business world knows the idea of Research.   It is heard and persons take for granted getting a research done.

Like many others, I too fell into that complacent trap as it pertains to Research.

To begin with when this unit was a point of focus, I had just signed up to do this course and the week of September 4-10 was long gone, over and done with....

Having to catch and begin, meant that I had to read and had to familiarize my self with the information furnished within this chapter.   Very very informative and eye opening experience for me.

From the onset with just the definition of Research as "a process of systematic" inquiry that is designed to collect, analyze, interpret and use data" was a knowledge point for me.  Never thought of it as a systematic approach although I knew very will it was used to launch an inquiry or to gather information to make a more informed decision.

Learning points for me included but not limited to, were :
1.   The reasons for conducting one
2.    The types (descriptive, etc.)
3.   The Philosophies ( Ontology)

Moreover, I am hasten to add that I was fully aware of the ethical issues and aspects of Research and one that I agree has to be taken very very seriously.

Overall this unit was a great way to start the programme and an excellent way to ensure that a student is very clear about what research methodologies is all about.

Leah

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." Psalm 111:10

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Wrapping up an exciting week and then a week commences entitled "Data Analysis", my perspective was, "Ok this should be a simple enough basically revision kind of week for you Leah".

I began the reading and first topics, Qualitative, Quantitative and Inferential Analysis, left a reassuring impression on my mind.  I thought Mathematics!! My favorite topics. Number or figure based chapter.  To my surprise, nothing close.

That of course meant that the theortical being present on Data Analysis was indeed   learning the concepts correctly. Not the assumed methodologies.    As so the entire proved to be a learning experience for me.  The only exception was the actual calculations of the Statistics.  Those I was very comfortable with.

Area I was completely knowledgeable about was the assignment. It was like a revision of basic maths concepts.

Finally, during this week I began preparing my slides for the upcoming final presentation.

Leah

"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:18

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Want to begin by tipping by hat to our team "J2L" Debators (Josh, Lloy, Leah -- JLL).  Outstanding job guys!!!

The late Henry Ford once said on the issue of the success of teamwork, "Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress, Working together is success".

And so our coming together was, in my view, a perfect fit. We met when we had to discussed and assigned accordingly, all understood their given tasks and every one dedicated to ensuring that their part was accomplished.

Keeping together, could have proved to be a challenge as Lloy had a death in her immediate family.  However,  the rest of the team kept it together and ensured that every time deadline was met.

Finally, working together to ensure success,  again no threats were posed to that...And so I say thank you to my fellow team mates!!!

On the issue of the actual debates, I must say the content presented by both my team and opposing team was quite deep and thoroughly researched.    Our fellow classmates ensured that they were able to make their points and of course defend it!!!

However, I must admit that the better team were able to prevail. Team  J2L Debaters.... Well done guys..

Cannot really say I learnt anything new as debating is not new to me but rather one of my favorites!!!! I love to read and engage or listen to a good debate! Stimulating!!!!

Leah

"Mercy unto you, and peace, and love be multiplied" Jude1:2

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WEEK SEVEN -- DATA PREPARATION & PRESENTATION

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WEEK SEVEN -- DATA PREPARATION & PRESENTATION

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Week Seven was quite an interesting one for me.    In direct correlation with my occupation is the fact that on a weekly basis I am required to, in some way or form, prepare data and of course present it.

Hence the topic, holistically, was not in its entirety an new concept to me.   The graphical and visual preparation and presentation of data, especially, was one that I am very familiar and comfortable with (for example Bar & Column Graphs, Pie Charts,  Line Graphs and the Scatter diagram).

Other areas that were not new to me were the Editing and Coding of the data which speaks to, verification of data to minimalise errors and ensure consist and accurate data recorded and use of numbers and words for analyzing of the data the again ensure efficiency and accuracy, respectively.

Data Entry, Cleaning, Modification and Management were also basically a revision of sort.

The two major concepts that I was exposed to were that of the Code Book and the Data Dictionary.

Although I was quite acquainted with coding of data post collection, new to me was the concept of standardizing that coding system to ensure accuracy and consistency when entering and analyzing of data.

In like vein, the Data Dictionary was also something learnt. Yes the practicality of it I am aware of, as I utilize D Base, of the Microsoft Smart-suite,  on a regular or daily basis.   What I never considered was that there was actually a guideline for me the user, which of course prevented me from doing what I wanted in the program per se..

Overall the unit was .concisely delivered with adequate and relevant links than enabled  me to cross reference concept being taught.

Leah

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" Psalms 46:1

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PRESENTATION/QUIZ WEEK

I feel like finally!!!!!

I commenced the semester extremely late and even then was not able to commit fully.   A trip out of St. Lucia afforded me the time to finally catch up.

This is why I am only now utilizing this exciting Padlet tool.

Back to Presentation week!!!

I am of the view that my highlight for Research Methods was our group project (Thanks to Sheneika and Annabelle). However, my low point was not being able to post my Research Proposal to proper forum after all.  Eventually posted in the Draft Proposal Link in error.   Thanks to my E-tutor for her assistance.

As it pertains to the quizz, I did not complete and hence feel that I have not done to the best of my ability.

I now look forward the the remaining few weeks and hopefully I am able to put my best foot forward, albeit a little late.  But I guess I will have to make use of the famous adage "Better late than never".

Leah

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour" Ecclesiastes 4:9