Date: 06^th November 2012

Week 01: Day 01

Introduction

An introduction was given briefly covering the module aims and learning outcomes. The students are to carry out independent learning and produce a portfolio report by recording work done weekly and note down the topics covered, what the student expect to take out from the topic, what has been learnt and referred books and websites.

Another requirement of this module is to create a project proposal that should be implemented in the final year of the degree program. This proposal should contain the problem statement that will be evaluated to implement a solution and it should follow the points given below:

1. Ability to identify a business problem
2. Ability to apply suitable IT solution
3. Ability to design the solution 
4. Ability to implement the solution

Problem solving

A problem is an opportunity for improvement. Ex. Small screens in mobile phones. It is the difference between the current state and the goal state. A problem results from the recognition of a present imperfect and the belief in the possibility of a better future (have you done research?) AS-IS analysis/TO-BE analysis.

By solving a problem the outcome can be categorized into 3 parts.

1. Designing a solution but not sure if it’s successful (identifying problems/preventive measures)
2. Problem implementation process (facing current problems/corrective solution)
3. Implementation fail/system collapse

Figure 01: Problem solving process

Source: Jamie Nord (2012)

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Date: 07^th November 2012

Week 01: Day 02

Professional Development Portfolio

According to Leo Lambert, Stacey LaneTice, & Patricia Featherston (1996), a portfolio is a collection of information and personal goals. “Portfolios can be very useful in encouraging your systematic collection of evidence of professional development over time and in promoting reflection about your professional growth".

The 7 steps to write a proper portfolio report.

1. What was discussed
2. Analysis
3. Research(independent learning)
4. Problem background and problem analysis/research
5. Literature review
6. Research methodology
7. Resource requirements

Why should you use a professional portfolio?

To reflect on your career path:

It helps you to articulate your professional goals and the work you have been doing to achieve them. to record your professional accomplishment. The information you record helps you to have materials ready for a job search.

To pursue a specific job:

Recording information in a portfolio helps to organize personal goals and experience prior to an interview which shows good preparation. It also helps to communicate your professional experience and accomplishments to a potential employer and it expands your one-page resume by providing a fuller, richer portrayal of your scope, abilities and experience.

(Arizona State University, 2012)

 My expectation to take out from this topic is to carry out independent researches and to use different research methods to make the portfolio report. And also to understand the technique of writing a proper literature review for the project proposal and to improve my skills of managing time. 

Referred books/websites

CIDR (2012) Resources: Developing a Professional Portfolio
[Online] Accessed from: http://depts.washington.edu/cidrweb/Bulletin/ProfessionalPortfolio.html

Jamie Nord. 2012. Judgement and Problem Analysis.
[Online] Accessed from: http://jamienord.efoliomn.com/judgmt-problemanalysis