Assessment Task

Based on a verifiable reflection model and relevant aspects of topics covered in Modules 1 and 2, you are required to write a 1000-word reflection on what motivated you to undertake your current course of study (postgraduate program) in Torrens University.

Context

Self-reflection is a way of assessing yourself and understanding the reasons for your life experiences. It is about analysing what you do, why you do it, and its future implications. Self- reflection also enhances self-awareness, which provides a solid basis for empathy and good leadership. Most importantly, it enables you to develop your skills, and ability to strengthen your reflective inquiries with theoretical evidence: theory-practice interface.

Therefore, this assessment provides you with an opportunity to use theoretical and verifiable evidence to reflect on your reasons for undertaking your course of study at Torrens University, and how it may help you develop professionally. In addition, it helps you to become aware of your thinking, through describing, analysing and evaluating your learning experiences.

Assessment Instructions

1.    Adopting an established reflective model (e.g., the Gibbs Reflective Cycle 1988, or the Driscoll Reflective Model, 1994) and relevant aspects of topics covered in Modules 1 and 2, you are required to write up to 1000 words of ‘initial reflection’ on the reasons for undertaking your current course of study.

The topics you are expected to cover may include, but are not limited to business environment and reflective business practices, business structures and government regulations, including economic principles.

2.    The reflection should address the following questions:

•    How did your experiences (academic and/or work) prepare you for the current course of study?
•    What are the past experiences (or interests) you have in this area?
•    How would you ensure the required outcomes of your course of study are being met?
•    How would you manage and monitor your academic activities to ensure a successful conclusion of your course of study?
•    Looking into the future, what are the implications of your current course of study in later life (post-career)?
•    What are the goals you would like to set for yourself, with respect to your current course of study?

3.    Key points to consider:

Start the reflection with a brief description of your initial understanding of business environment, reflective practices, economic principles and others. With reference to these subject contents, justify your choice of current course of study, identify how your course of study relates to your own experiences, and how you may apply your knowledge in the future.

•    You are expected to carefully analyse your previous experiences and current expectations. Your reflection should be clear and succinct, and demonstrate that you have short-term and long-term goals, including an understanding of what you want to do with your degree.

•    Please note that the reflection is about your course of study and career/professional projections. You need to integrate some theoretical implications of this subject into your reflection. For example, if the reason for embarking on an MBA program is to change your profession, start a new business, or advance your career, you may need to reflect on the consequences/implications of some business environment issues — stakeholders, business structures, macro- and microenvironments, etc.

4.    Structure and Format:

Please structure the reflection as follows:

Cover sheet: You may use the formal Torrens University coversheet. Or a simple one with student details (student name, ID, Subject code & name, Assessment number and title, Lecturer/LF).
Introduction:
Brief (one sentence) aim of the assessment, and how you intend to achieve it (brief outline of your adopted reflective model [e.g., Driscoll, 1994] and its stages).
Main body:
Use the reflective model stages as your main headings (e.g., Driscoll, 1994 — what, so what and now what) to address the suggested reflective points.

Conclusion

Reference List

ANSWERS

Introduction

The aim of this reflective assignment is to explore and analyse my motivations for undertaking my current course of study at Torrens University, utilizing the Gibbs Reflective Cycle as a structured framework for this exploration (Galli & New, 2022).

The Gibbs Reflective Cycle, comprising six stages—Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, and Action Plan—serves as a guide through which I will scrutinize my initial understanding of business environment concepts, reflective practices, and economic principles, connecting them to my decision to pursue this course (Saidon et al., 2022).

Embarking on this journey of self-reflection, I intend to delve into how my prior academic and work experiences have shaped my preparedness for this course and how my interests have played a pivotal role in this academic pursuit.

Through this reflective process, I aim to gain insights into my short-term and long-term goals, the implications of my current study on my future career, and the actions necessary for ensuring the successful attainment of my academic and professional objectives (Sunghee et al., 2019).

The reflections drawn in this assignment will be deeply intertwined with theoretical implications, providing a comprehensive perspective on how my course of study at Torrens University aligns with my aspirations and the broader business environment.

Also Read - Torrens University Assignment Help

Description (What happened?)

Embarking on an academic journey at Torrens University, I was driven by a profound fascination with the business environment and a desire to unravel the intricacies of economic principles. A pivotal moment that significantly influenced my decision was attending the Australian Conference of Economists (ACE) 2018 in Canberra (Cassells et al., 2022).

Interactions with renowned economists (Anne Krueger, Professor of International Economics, John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington DC; John Asker, Professor of Economics, UCLA; Marilyn Waring, Professor of Public Policy, AUT; Kathryn Graddy, Senior Associate Dean, Brandeis University, Massachusetts) and exposure to diverse economic topics during the conference ignited a curiosity and desire to delve deeper into business strategies and economic frameworks.

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Feelings (What were you thinking and feeling?)

Reflecting on my emotional landscape during the conference, I experienced a mélange of excitement, inspiration, and a newfound sense of purpose.

Listening to keynote speakers like Anne Krueger and John Asker left me feeling inspired yet challenged—inspired by the potential of contributing to the business world and challenged by the complexities and responsibilities that such a contribution entails.

The resolution of these conflicting emotions and the insights gained during the conference became a cornerstone in solidifying my decision to enrol in the program at Torrens University.

Evaluation (What was good and bad about the experience?)

Upon evaluation, I weighed the positives—insights gained from the conference and the alignment of the course with my aspirations—against the challenges and uncertainties, such as the rigor of the program and balancing responsibilities. The dilemma of choosing the right academic path was resolved through extensive research, consultation with mentors, and introspection, all of which were influenced by the knowledge acquired at ACE 2018.

Analysis (What sense can you make of the situation?)

Analysing the alignment of specific modules and aspects of the course with my career goals, I found a synergy between the theoretical concepts discussed at the conference and their practical applications. These concepts, especially those presented by Professors Krueger and Asker, influenced my perspective on the business environment, providing a multifaceted lens through which I could envision my future contributions to the field.

Retrospect (What else could you have done?)

Reflecting retrospectively, I pondered the exploration of alternative academic paths and the critical evaluation of the chosen course’s offerings. The insights and challenges presented at the ACE 2018 played a crucial role in this reflection, teaching me the value of continuous learning and adaptability.

Action Plan (If it arose again, what would you do?)

Formulating a detailed action plan, I would outline specific steps such as engaging more actively in academic forums, seeking mentorship, and leveraging academic support services.

The proactive approaches, informed by the insights and challenges discussed at the conference, shaped my learning strategies and reinforced my resolve to achieve academic and professional success.

Theoretical Implications

Interweaving theoretical concepts throughout the reflection, I drew connections between the economic principles discussed at the conference, course content, and personal experiences, questioning assumptions and exploring alternative perspectives.

The integration of these theories provided a foundational understanding, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications, and illuminated the path towards achieving my aspirations and contributing to the broader business environment.

Also Read - Gibbs Reflective Cycle

Conclusion

Reflecting on my journey through the Gibbs Reflective Cycle, I have gained profound insights into my motivations, aspirations, and the thoughtful considerations that influenced my decision to undertake my current course of study at Torrens University.

This reflection has allowed me to explore the alignment of the course with my career objectives and to recognize the pivotal role of my past experiences and interests in shaping this academic pursuit.

Analysing the various stages of the reflection, from my initial feelings and evaluations to the conclusive analysis and action planning, has reinforced my commitment to leveraging this opportunity for professional development and lifelong learning.

The integration of theoretical concepts from the business environment, economic principles, and reflective practices has enriched my understanding and highlighted the practical applicability of the knowledge acquired.

Choosing Torrens University was a meticulously calculated decision, influenced not just by my academic aspirations but also by the distinctive attributes of the university itself. Torrens University stands out for its international reputation, diverse and innovative curriculum, and a strong emphasis on integrating theory with practice.

The university’s focus on providing a global perspective, through its campuses across Australia, New Zealand, and China, and its collaboration with international institutions, aligned with my aspiration to gain a comprehensive understanding of the global business environment (Wikipedia, 2023).

Furthermore, the opportunity to learn from a faculty comprising industry experts and academics renowned in their respective fields promised an enriching learning experience.

The availability of specialized modules that perfectly aligned with the insights gained from the Australian Conference of Economists (ACE) 2018, particularly in International Economics and Business Strategies, cemented my decision to join Torrens University, as it offered a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing me for real-world challenges.

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References

Cassells, R., Risse, L., Wood, D., & Yengin, D. (2022). Lifting diversity and inclusion in economics: How the Australian women in economics network put the evidence into action. Economic Papers: A Journal of Applied Economics and Policy, 42(1), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1111/1759-3441.12367
Galli, F., & New, C. J. (2022). Gibbs’ Cycle Review. emotions as a part of the cycle. E-Motion: Revista de Educación, Motricidad e Investigación, (19). https://doi.org/10.33776/remo.vi19.7224
Saidon, R., Abu Bakar, J., Salehhuddin Sharipudin, M.-N., & Zainal, Z. (2022). The impact of web 2.0 tools on economics education. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 28(3), 287–298. https://doi.org/10.37934/araset.28.3.287298
Sunghee, S., & Booyuel, K. (2019). Beyond learning English: North Korean Refugee College Students’ reflective process on English education. S/N Korean Humanities, 5(1), 137–154. https://doi.org/10.17783/ihu.2019.5.1.137
Wikipedia. (2023, September 26). Torrens University Australia. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torrens_University_Australia