Experimental Learning

Individual Reflection on a Dissertation

Individual reflection about a given project accomplished such as a dissertation is known as experimental learning also known as learning by doing (Bolder and Tom 722). Bolder and Tom defines experimental learning as the acquisition of the desired knowledge, skills, and attitude from experience (722). Experimental learning involves one immersing him/herself in an experience and then reflecting on what the experience has helped to acquire in terms of new skills, ways of thinking, and attitude. This paper is a reflection of experiences and skills I gained after successfully accomplishing a dissertation on how motivation influences worker performance and turnover rates case study of Saudi Arabian refineries company.

Excitement and Intrigue in the Project

Concerning the entire process of the project, it was both exciting and intriguing. Generally, I like learning about the relationship between employee motivation, their turnover, and organisational performance, as I find the subject of employee turnover an ongoing challenge for most firms in the contemporary global business environment. All the information I read on the topic is of great value and in-line with the current employee turnover rates. I enjoyed the independent research as it had various tasks to accomplish and required my critique of things and academic view.

Communication with Interviewees

First thing, communication with interviewees offered information which would have been hard to obtain from just assessing literature and scientific articles because it was obtained from their direct experience on the phenomenon being studied. The aim of this dissertation was to examine theory and practice in the area of worker motivation, their performance, and job turnover. The theoretical framework and information acquired from the interviewees were quite useful and informative.

Challenges during the Study

However, I experienced some challenged during the study. One of the challenges was the initial lack of experience in research. However, using the advice from my supervisor upon meeting on July 17, I used semi-structured interviews in order to allow some degree of participant-led response and also compensate for my inexperience in research. After revising the questionnaire and carrying out a pilot test with friends, I was prepared to conduct the actual survey. The survey went on smoothly as I proceeded. Indeed, I relaxed with every questionnaire as I acquired more experience and also got closer to accomplishing the study.

Choice of Data

The other time-consuming and demanding task in this project was the choice of data. The challenge was to select which data to use and put it in an interesting and engaging manner in order to answer the research questions. However, as I carried out the survey, read the data collected, reflected on what I had observed, and reflected on the information I needed to achieve the research objectives, I gained more and more confidence in the interpretation of the data as I understood it.

Responding to Open-Ended Questions

In responding to open-ended questions, I did not find it hard in getting people to talk. However, the main challenge was how to keep the conversation short without interfering with rapport. Indeed, the coordination of individual responses to open-ended questions was a time-consuming and challenging task. Nonetheless, I will overcome this challenge in the future by only pursuing areas of inquiry which are important to the study and captured in the questionnaire.

Confidentiality Concerns

Confidentiality was another serious issue from the time of requesting workers to participate in the study. My consciousness of the urge to maintain confidentiality became stronger as I continued with the survey. I realized that employees were taking a risk in partaking in the survey. As such, they required constant reassurance that the information they shared will remain confidential. In this regard, I had to acknowledge that I had only stepped into their affairs for a short duration and only to the extent to which they allowed me.

Supervisor’s Guidance and Feedback

My supervisor’s guidance and feedback on the project after the July meeting was adequate to point out precisely the parts of the research report which were done well and which were not. I gained valuable insight which I feel made me disentangle the understanding of the subject matter of the thesis. I can confidently acknowledge that the experience I acquired in this study will help me both as a human resources management MSc student and HR practitioner. Remarkably, writing and research skills are not only useful in academic writing but also in HR practice as well. I now feel that I have gained much confidence in my research and writing skills.

Skills Developed

Some of the specific skills I have developed upon completing this thesis, which will help me in future HR practices include time management. Notably, the research procedure required broad preparation and planning for each stage and that each phase had to be carried out in an organised manner within the set deadline. Initially, I encountered challenges in ensuring that the project progressed as stipulated on the set schedule. Most of the difficulties emerged from the literature assessment phase of the study. First thing, I miscalculated the duration needed for the literature review hence I frequently lagged behind the time plan in terms of the number of literature reviewed. However, I addressed the issue by re-adjusting the schedule for the project and by raising the level of discipline regarding following set plan. The experience gained in time management will help me in completing future projects on time by adhering to set time-plans.

The thesis also helped me to gain more self-confidence which will significantly help in my HR practice in the future. For instance, initially, I was diffident with the choice of the primary data gathering approach because it entailed approaching unfamiliar people in their busy schedules at work and convincing them to take part in the survey. Some of them declined to partake in the survey thereby lowering my confidence level. However, tremendous efforts that included spending significant time preparing for primary data collection and encouragement by the tutor, relatives, and friends enabled me to overcome the sense of insecurity and carry out the survey confidently. I will benefit from the increased self-confidence level as a business manager and HR professional. Remarkably, HR practitioners have to have a high level of self-confidence, time management, as well as communication skills to survive in the current competitive business environment by effectively handling stakeholder and employee issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, undertaking this dissertation has helped me to acquire valuable personal and professional skills and knowledge. This being my first major MSc research project, I have acquired a high level of self-confidence, organisational, and time-management skills that will boost my efficiency as an HR practitioner. Primary research skills acquired will also help in dealing with daily practical HR management issues by engaging the relevant parties in focused talks to identify and solve the issues. Most importantly, I have understood major practical issues in the field of employee motivation and what can be done to mitigate the impacts of worker turnover on organisational performance. Therefore, the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and experience gained from this dissertation are valuable to me in my area of specialisation.

Work Cited

Bolder, Joost, and Tom Oomen. “Rational basis functions in iterative learning control-With experimental verification on a motion system.” IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology 23.2 (2015): 722-729.