Part 1: Reflective Essay
I appreciate the business course I took in this quarter. I have learnt a lot in terms of business writing. Business course is essential in comprehension of the requirements in writing business papers and the need to have good communication skills. I am now able to differentiate the various business writings (Hass, Horst & Ziemski, 94). I am now well versed in writing e-mails, cover letters, memoranda, resumes, and project proposals.
I have noted the formats when writing a cover letter and a memorandum (Day, 102). The format of a cover letter is very different from that of an email. I have noted that the address must be included for both the recipient and the sender. I have noted that a subject line is essential. This is to assist the receiver in noting the message of the letter at a glance. I however need to practice on the tone and the choice of words in writing a cover letter (The Guardian, 2). Cover letters serve different purposes (The Guardian, 3). Instead of using capital letters in the headings like in letters, I have to use small letters.
I was surprised to realize that clarity and organization are significant in a resume and cover letter (Trefor, 23). Organization in the resume assists in skimming through and locating important information (Wilkinson, 15). I was also surprised to realize that it is necessary to be particular with the source of information when writing a memo. This is to appreciate the primary source. In analysis of any sort, I have come to understand that it is needful to examine the form of questions to be used in asking the respondents. It is necessary to understand the approach to be used. Analysis needs be critical; this is necessary to cover all the details and particulars in a research. The form of analysis carried determines the writing style and choices. I have noted that it is necessary to apply a formal tone in a cover letter, resume, and memorandum (Dawson, 37). This is different from the conversational tone, which I should use in email communication.
In email writing, the subject line is of great significance (Dawson, 38). The subject line assists in explaining the message of the email (Trefor, 102). It also prevents the reader from overlooking the email and answering to it within the desired time span. In the email format, I had a problem in applying the required format. Now, I can easily include the email address, subject lines, and other requirements such as thesis statement.
Using the handbook, I am able to correctly format cover letters and emails (The Guardian, 9). I am currently able to explain the purpose for every cover letter (The Guardian, 4). I have perfected on the art of asking relevant questions as part of the information to be relayed when writing emails. I can perfectly add messages to appeal the email receivers on certain issues. I have perfected on good closing in writing these documents. Areas that I still have a challenge in include formatting of the memoranda, application of citing references, and asking significant questions for actions. I am presently working on these areas with the help of handbooks and online sites.
In future, I expect to apply this knowledge in applying for jobs (Wilkinson, 16). I expect to apply the use of a resume and cover letter writing to apply for a job. More of the knowledge I am to acquire in writing cover letters in class will also be applied in looking for jobs (The Guardian, 16). From the comments of my lecturer, I can make a great regional marketing manager. This is because of the knowledge and the skill I have so far acquired in setting up logical marketing positioning and raising awareness of any brand. I am also able to draw inspiration from some of my previous strategies so I can develop my experience in analysis (Wilkinson, 102). I have realized that in spite of all the efforts in the course, I am still weak in grammar. This is due to my Chinese background. It has vastly affected my essays as I always apply Chinese grammar first before I can translate to English. The other challenge that I have is the use of proper English structure and logical thinking. This is caused by the application of the Chinese structure instead of English. These two languages are very different in these two areas. I am hopeful that I will excel in these two weaknesses through the help of my English friends and online writing center.
Through these principles, I am able to share business information to the staff in future. I am also able to understand technical information sent to me for further application in my business career (Wilkinson, 218). I have come to appreciate the fact that written messages can be edited and revised for the best results. Since the written information is a permanent record for the messages, there is need to perfect the skill. Perfect writing skills are necessary for increased customer satisfaction. By perfecting the business principles, I am increasing my chances of improved business image in my career. I am also able to improve the organizational efficiency. In perfecting of the written skills, I should focus on better time management. This is because it takes time to compose information (Dawson, 36).
Part 2: Group report
My present success in coursework is not only attributed to my hard work. It is also a result of the quality relationship I have built in group work (Day, 122). Through group discussions, I have come to realize that communication plays a big role in business course and business career. Through group work, I have managed to nurture this skill, which has translated into good results in the tests and projects given.
Initially I was poor in investigative report writing. I did not know the format to use. I was also poor in the choice of words. This is due to the shallow understanding I had on research work and analysis of reports (Hoffmann, 40). I failed to make appealing statements to the reader. I failed to include so much of the company culture, its organization, and other key topics. Despite this, I had a good introduction. This was borrowed from my previous work in email and letter writing.
Through group work, I have come to understand how to analyze any given information (Trefor, 16). My duties were writing the cost and benefit part, and choosing the right place to build a café corner. Additionally, I worked on things that needed to be done that had not yet been achieved. For instance, I was able to assume the duties of taking interviews in the part of presentation. My group members were Chris Woo, Emmett Jackson, and Manny Trelles.
Among the strengths was business analysis, communication skills and team building. In the project we were given as a group, I managed to perfectly go through all the steps (Wilkinson, 20). I could then highlight to the group members areas where we were still weak on. For instance, in the project of enquiring whether students needed a cafeteria nearer the library at Shield’s library, I was able to help the group realize the benefits of including the importance of coffee, food, and food cart. This helped us persuade the Deputy University Librarian of the benefits of having coffee nearer the library. I was able to calculate the viability of building a cafeteria and installing a food cart near the library. This further directed the members into recommending for food cart instead of building a café. These strengths helped the team score highly in the group work. One of the weaknesses I have is poor grammar and writing skills. This I am looking forward to overcome with the help of the group and practice.
My contributions were equal to the other group members (Trefor, 218). Our project was a business project in managerial economics. Through the knowledge I am equipped with, I am able to analyze the benefits and cost of any project. In addition to this, I am able to work on the profits and customers’ analysis (Trefor, 116). We divided amongst ourselves the work given according to the strengths of each member. Our team responded effectively on the project as we did our best in the assigned part. The common strength of the team was realized due to individual contribution of the team. The strengths were also realized as an addition of the roles given. The team members went out of their way to ensure that we produced the best. One of the weaknesses experienced was the difference in viewpoints and understanding. This is mainly attributable to the background and variation in personality. I would grade my team at 85%, because of the hard word we all did.
We never had any other member. As a team, we all worked hard. My main role was in business analysis, Chris Woo worked on the summary part, Emmett, and Manny majored on the interview, introduction and memoranda. Other than the assigned roles, we ensured that the project flowed and that there were no missing links (Wilkinson, 220). If I really need to point out a member who did less contribute, I think I did the least of them all. This is due to my poor writing skills. I am from China and therefore, English is my second language. At times, I had a challenge in fluently expressing myself to the members of the group. However, I tried my best in perfecting on the roles assigned. Generally, we all did a good job. I would therefore give everyone 100%.
I now appreciate the purpose of writing a project. This is to perfect the research and analysis skills (Trefor, 192). This is because, as a business major, I will have to participate in business and economic projects in my future career. It is therefore necessary that I actively participate in group work. I have also come to appreciate the essence of group work. I have ironed my strengths and worked on my weaknesses. All these are essential for success in my career.