Journal & Reflection - WEEK 12

LEARNING JOURNAL

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Week: 12

2. Duration: 1 week

3. Activities:

• Reading "Customer Service- building successful skills for the 21st century" book.
• Answering the quick review.
• Checking the right respondence.

4. What resource(s) did I use for this activity/task?

Robert W. Lucas 2002, "Manage your time" in Chapter 11, Customer Service- building successful skills for the 21st century, the MacGraw-Hill Company, Australia, 3rd edition, p.p 296-314.

5. What was the most interesting thing I read for this activity/task?

Reading the "Frontline interview" with Steve Tanzer, a managing partner in Global Performance Strategies LLC (a human resource consulting and training company).

6. What were three main things I learned from this activity/task?

This is a list of benefits that I have found during the reading activity. They comprise of:

• Increasing the productivity through a more efficient approach to accompplish tasks.
  
• Increasing the self-satisfaction from confidence in my ability to get the job completion on time and professionally.
  
• Decreasing the stress levels, which can benefit me personally and make life easier for those who around me since I will be calmer and more in control.
  

7. What was new or surprising to me?

Good time management provides so many benefits than I have ever thought before.

8. What have I changed my mind about as a result of this activity/task?

I will follow strictly the guidelines that this book shown me.

9. One thing I learned from this activity/task that I may be able to use in future is...

Lucas is right when saying that "time manage is not just a workplace issue". Learning to apply this skill to manage the time can make me more efficient.

10. Things that I am still unsure about...

I don't understand throughly the meaning of "slow time passage" versus "fast time passage".

11. Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail.

I want to focus on "time management and technology". It is obvious that workplace is now full of modern technology. So, find out how technology affect the time management skill is supportive.

12. What I most liked about this activity/task was...

The concept that "everyone has the same amount of time everyday of the year. How people manage that time makes the differences" is what I like mosted. It's absolutely correct, I think.

13. What I most disliked about this activity/task was...

The book covered several similar ideas that I read in other books about the topic "time management". However, in general, the theory was presented in an easy-to-understand way.

REFLECTION

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Concrete experience:

I still believe that time management skill is neccessary for everyone, from managers, employees to homemakers, students. The reason is everybody has their own amount of time in a day.

2. Reflection observation:

The main point here is how to use time as effective as possible.

3. Abstract conceptualization:

Besides that, I know how to minimize the wait time or dead time, how to find an extra time and how to prioritize the time.

4. Active experimentation:

In conclusion, time can be my best friend or worst enemy for my weekly studying plan.

Journal & Reflection - WEEK 11

LEARNING JOURNAL

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Week: 11

2. Duration: 1 week

3. Activities:

Reading "Surviving first year uni" book that I have found at Learning Resource Center.

4. What resource(s) did I use for this activity/task?

Lauren Williams & John Germov 2001, "Surviving first year uni", Australian Print Group, Maryborough, Victoria, Australia, p.p 25-40.

5. What was the most interesting thing I read for this activity/task?

Planning and time management is a good start at the university.

6. What were three main things I learned from this activity/task?

The theory that is covered is similar to handout that David, Gemeinhardt gave me on the orientation day. However, it contains in more details. Generally, they are:

• Getting organised in the first few weeks of lecture.
• 8 steps to find more hours in the days.
• Using time productively.

7. What was new or surprising to me?

Surprisingly, having too much unstructured time on my hands can be almost as difficult as not having enough time.

8. What have I changed my mind about as a result of this activity/task?

After identifying time for the specific tasks, using the allocated time effectively is important as well.

9. One thing I learned from this activity/task that I may be able to use in future is...

When make a to-do list, I should be HONEST. Otherwise, the schedule that I have made is meaningless.

10. Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail.

I would like to study more about "summarise the problem". For example, what the main risk that could occur to lead to run out of time.

11. Ideas for action, based on this activity/task...

From now on, I put off the unnessary commitment, such as chatting on the web, spending hours on playing bowling at the weekends.

12. Miscellaneous interesting facts I learned from this activity/task...

8 steps to finding more time in a day include:

• Assess the situation.
• Add up how much time all of those commitments take on a weekly basis.
• Add in time taken by all the other things you haven't even thought of yet.
• Get real.
• Summarise the problems.
• Set the priorities.
• Working where to cut down on time.
• Monitor the used time.
  

REFLECTION

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Concrete experience:
Read the book that relevant to time management skill, from page 25 to 40. I make a plan to read the book in 5 days.

2. Reflection observation:
There are a lot of useful hints, illustrated examples, real problems. Through the reading, I find myself as an example. Something like how I submit my assignment on time without asking for extension or having an all night sleepless.

3. Abstract conceptualization:
By reading, I could improve the task performance as well as its quality.

4. Active experimentation:
Not only high-powered business people need time management. Whoever I am, a student, a housewife, an employee, I should control the time properly.

Journal & Reflection - WEEK 10

LEARNING JOURNAL

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Week: 10

2. Duration: 1 week

3. Activities:

Playing both two courses: Project Schedule Development and Project Schedule Control at Skillsoft.

4. What resource(s) did I use for this activity/task?

http://skillsoft.rmit.edu.vn/content/PROJ0443a1.htm

http://skillsoft.rmit.edu.vn/content/PROJ0444a1.htm

5. What was the most interesting thing I read for this activity/task?

I should use a calendar when identifying the start and end date of doing the task.

6. What were three main things I learned from this activity/task?

• Create more accurate schedule.
• Determine realistic start and finish days to ensure the task is finished on time.
• Identify the risks and constraints when carrying out the tasks.

7. What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?

I didn't care about the goals when I done the tasks. I just had the task done because the teacher asked me to do so. It's not good at all. I should find a motivation for myself rather than doing the things that is requested.

8. What was new or surprising to me?

Schedule tools and techniques could bring a lot of benefits to the users. For example, proper planning and preparation could help me keep my assignment on time. Moreover, it is interesting to know that creating project schedule it is almost like baking a cake. It means that before having a delicious cake, you should prepare all ingredients first. In a project, preparation is important as well

9. One thing I learned from this activity/task that I may be able to use in future is...

I can make an activities list as well as use tools to determine the beginning and end date.

10. Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail.

Besides PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique), there are two other kinds, such as CPM and GERT.

11. Things that I am still unsure about...

I'm still unsure about the Monte Carlo analysis and What-if analysis in schedule development.

12. Ideas for action, based on this activity/task...

By considering the inputs of schedule development, realistic dates can be sorted. This helps managers to have a better human resource management, better schedule resources and more realistics deadlines.

13. Miscellaneous interesting facts I learned from this activity/task...

• Input to schedule development: activities, resources, requirements, calendars, constraints.
• Use schedule tools and techniques, such as PERT, CPM, GERT or Monte Carlo analysis and What-if analysis to control the time effectively.
  
  

REFLECTION

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Concrete experience:
It is meaningless to do the task without a good motivation.

2. Reflection observation:
After reading the whole courses, I understand the main ideas of the text. It helps me to find a good way to contribute my performance.

3. Abstract conceptualization:
It's better to use a calendar or other tools to check out the suitable and available time.

4. Active experimentation:
Better time management is better time-saving skill.

Journal & Reflection - WEEK 9

LEARNING JOURNAL

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Week: 9

2. Duration: 1 week

3. Activities:

Playing "Project Activity Duration Estimating" course at Skillsoft.

4. What resource(s) did I use for this activity/task?

http://skillsoft.rmit.edu.vn/content/PROJ0442a1.htm

5. What was the most interesting thing I read for this activity/task?

Estimating the time that each task need to complete is the most exciting thing.

6. What were three main things I learned from this activity/task?

Concerning activity duration estimating, I learned three main categories:

• Inputs.
  
• Tools and techniques.
  
• Outputs.
  

7. What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?

Estimation doesn't need to be exactly. It's a bad thinking. If my estimation is wrong, so what I am expecting to do in the next.

8. What was new or surprising to me?

Estimating time is a complicated process. For example, if my tutor ask me to give her a weekly learning journal. I should include not only the time for conducting the journal, but also the time for proofreading and reviewing it.

9. What have I changed my mind about as a result of this activity/task?

Every tasks should be considered carefully. To make it clearer, an example will be taken. To fulfil a research report, I should think about what activities will be undertaken, what resources will be used, where the information is coming from.

10. One thing I learned from this activity/task that I may be able to use in future is...

If I were a manager, I will rely on this activity to handle with projects.

11. Ideas for action, based on this activity/task...

• utilize the team members effectively.
  
• control the resources better.
  
• create the realistic goals.
  

12. What I most liked about this activity/task was...

Reading the example about Computer company was what I most liked. How they feel after carrying the duration estimating process and what it support to them.

13. Miscellaneous interesting facts I learned from this activity/task...

• When you are go shopping or buying groceries, you should make a list of items. This is great because it help you not forget anything. It also indicate the quantity and important level of the each item. For example, tomatoes (1 kg) , cheeze (100 gr), milk (1 l), chili (200 gr), potato (0.5 kg).
  
• Similarly, when you are managing a project, you should make a list of activities with the right order and logic. For example, sending a quotation, receiving the orders, shipping the products, checking the delivery.
  
  

REFLECTION

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Concrete experience:

I usually overstate or understate the time-consuming for each task. For example, I need 1 day to complete the blog, but I only estimated that I need a half of the day only.

2. Reflection observation:

After understanding the theory in "Project Activity Duration Estimating" course, I feel confident to complete the task on time with the exact estimation.

3. Abstract conceptualization:

The main point here is to be certain about the estimation. If not, the plan may be collapse.

4. Active experimentation:

Remember the words of John Sales: "Assumption allow the best in life to pass you by".

Journal & Reflection - WEEK 8

LEARNING JOURNAL

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Week: 8

2. Duration: 1 week

3. Activities:

Playing "Project Planning Activity" at Skillsoft. In particular:

• Reading the whole course.
  
• Recording useful information or facts.
  
• Answering the multiple questions.
  
• Checking the right solutions.
  

4. What resource(s) did I use for this activity/task?

http://skillsoft.rmit.edu.vn/content/PROJ0441a1.htm

5. What was the most interesting thing I read for this activity/task?

The most interesting thing that I have found was a great amount of interesting examples or illustrations during the course. I really enjoyed playing the course.

6. What were three main things I learned from this activity/task?

• Defining project planning. For example, which activities are involved in a project. The main purpose for this is to schedule the tasks easier later on. It also help the activities are managable in the short term.
  
• Putting the tasks in order. This step is extremely important because scheduling the activities affect the outcome or result.
  
• Checking the completed task. This avoids missing things. It's supportive to move on to the next stage.
  

7. What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?

I used to think that planning is a waste of time. However, I realize that it's very good if I make a plan in details.

8. What was new or surprising to me?

I didn't know that time is "a valuable resource, a major concern in project management" before playing the course.

9. What have I changed my mind about as a result of this activity/task?

10. One thing I learned from this activity/task that I may be able to use in future is...

Saving time means saving money. Completing the tasks on time help you bring more money to your company.

11. Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail.

I would like to study in more detail about "scope statement" in the project. They comprise of "project justification, project objectives, project deliverables and product description".

12. Miscellaneous interesting facts I learned from this activity/task...

• The construction of Giza pyramid-one of the oldest of the seven wonders around the world, took place over a twenty-year period.
  
• In a project context, time management stays in the middle between "project scope" and "cost management".
  
  

REFLECTION

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Concrete experience:

I'm usually lazy at the beginning. Then, be exhausted during the exams. I try to find the reason why.

2. Reflection observation:

Whenever I've got the assignments, such as Capability Portfolio - part 2, I should identify my task, like what and how to write a report with the requirements. After that, allocate the adequate resources and cope with the difficulties which is appeared during the writing. Finally, giving a report to class mate to proofread.

3. Abstract conceptualization:

Before the deadline one day or at least several hours, I feel comfortable to hand out the paper without shortage of time.

4. Active experimentation:

From now on, I can deal with report, essay properly.

Journal & Reflection - WEEK 7

LEARNING JOURNAL

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Week: 7

2. Duration: 1 week

3. Activities:

Having a quick look at Skillsoft, especially business-skills. Four courses aligned with "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge" (PMBOK (r) Guide) 2000 Edition, published by the Project Management Institute (PMI (r). They called "Project Time Management" courses, including:

• Project Activity Planning.
• Project Activity Duration Estimating.
• Project Schedule Development.
• Project Schedule Control.

4. What resource(s) did I use for this activity/task?

http://skillsoft.rmit.edu.vn/mainss.asp

5. What was the most interesting thing I read for this activity/task?

The most interesting thing that I have found was time management is one of the categories of project management.

6. What were three main things I learned from this activity/task?

• Making a draft of the things or tasks.
• Estimating the time-consuming of each task.
• Developing and controlling a schedule strictly.
• Evaluating the results.

7. What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?

I thought that time was so easy to keep under control. However, now I find that it's not easy at all. Actually, it's really hard to find break time in the middle of the examination period.

8. What was new or surprising to me?

If I'm smart enough, I will find an extra time to relax or rethink about my achievement as well as non-achievement.

9. What have I changed my mind about as a result of this activity/task?

It's really crazy or stupid to learn everything at the last minutes. So, time-management is absolutely necessary for the first-year student like me.

10. One thing I learned from this activity/task that I may be able to use in future is...

I'm a student now. I have to fulfil a lot of assignments, homework, tasks, both by individual and in group within a limited time. In the future, I will become an officer. My duty is to complete workload on time. In brief, scheduling activity is an useful tool.

11. Things that I am still unsure about...

I don't know how to estimate the time exactly.

12. Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail.

Time-management is an important skill of project management. Therefore, I will find the relationship between them.

13. What I most liked about this activity/task was...

I can use the theory that I have found in my real life at this moment.


14. Miscellaneous interesting facts I learned from this activity/task...

• In these days, a company's reputation rely on whether it can deliver goods or services on time or not. Lost time means lost revenue.
• It's really amazing to be able to see the future. The reason for this is to avoid the difficulties in advance.
  

REFLECTION

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Concrete experience:

I don't know how to estimate the time and schedule the plan strictly. For example, how long it takes me to complete an assignment. Usually, I solely rely on deadline to complete this task. It makes me feel a little bit stress. Actually, this keeps me under high pressure to perform the task better. However, it's really bad to do everything at the last minutes.

2. Reflection observation:

At the beginning, I try to make a detailed plan of the things that I ought to do. Then, I follow the plan strictly. Of course, I should have the time for proofreading or spelling checks at the end to make sure that the task is well done.

3. Abstract conceptualization:

Above clear steps help me to avoid running out of time or prevent unexpected obstacles. I also feel free to stay ahead. Control my time means control my own life.

4. Active experimentation:

I'll continue to spend more time on studying time management to deal with a great deal of assignments. Hopefully, I don't have to cut down my family commitment, absent from class or become an all-nighter due to the lack of time.

Journal & Reflection - WEEK 6

LEARNING JOURNAL

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Week: 6

2. Duration: 1 week

3. Activities:

• Completing a personal time survey.
  
• Having an informal interview with Nguyen Minh Sinh - my group leader in Iceberg group (Organizational Behaviour course).
  

4. What resource(s) did I use for this activity/task?

On the orientation day, Mr David, Gemeinhardt taught us how to manage our time in order to be successful in studying and he gave us a useful handout named “Planning your time”. This gave me a general overview of time management.

5. What was the most interesting thing I read for this activity/task?

I'm quite happy with the final mark that Sinh-my group leader gave me. It was 8/10. He said that I finished the task on time.

6. What were three main things I learned from this activity/task?

• Evaluating my task completion.
  
• Maintaining a weekly meeting in group.
  
• Submitting the assignment on time
  

7. What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?

It is said that "doesn't time fly". I strongly believe that I should control time better. Otherwise, time will pass by without meaningful.

8. What was new or surprising to me?

In general, effective time management has a great influence on my assignment's results.

9. What have I changed my mind about as a result of this activity/task?

I will divide up my daily activities more intelligent.

10. One thing I learned from this activity/task that I may be able to use in future is...

This skill will come with me forever, especially from now on to assist me in completing any assignments in the first year at university.

11. Things that I am still unsure about...

I still doubtful question that how I could control my time without neccessary tools, such as computer, paper, clock.

12. Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail.

I want to have a deep look at short-term and long-term goal.

13. Ideas for action, based on this activity/task...

This quick analysis could lead to my successful in handing in on-time assignments.

14. What I most liked about this activity/task was...

Time management finds out an extra time for me to enjoy hobbies at the weekend, including going to the coffee shop, shopping with friends or watching movies.

15. What I most disliked about this activity/task was...

Time is not a tangible thing. So, I can not touch it, feel it. I can only think about it. Sometimes, I lose my control because of late submission.

16. Miscellaneous interesting facts I learned from this activity/task...

Daily activities include sleeping, eating, travelling, studying, working, etc.

REFLECTION

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Concrete experience:

I didn't know how many hours I should spend on self-studying.

2. Reflection observation:

After doing the quick survey, I found that I had better spend less time on doing the housework or going out at the weekend to have more time in studying on my own during the exam period.

3. Abstract conceptualization:

Tools should be a part of time management skill.

4. Active experimentation:

From now on, I will use many tools such as take-note paper, mobile phone, calendar to control the time easier.

Journal & Reflection - WEEK 5

LEARNING JOURNAL

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Week: 5

2. Duration: 1 week

3. Activities:

• Reading handout named “Planning your time".
  
• Keeping the time under control.
  

4. What resource(s) did I use for this activity/task?

I have searched an e-book at RMIT Online: Jay, Ros 2002, "Time Management", Oxford, United Kingdom, Capstone Publishing Ltd.

5. What was the most interesting thing I read for this activity/task?

It is said that an effective time management supports students in dealing with assignments or examinations.

6. What were three main things I learned from this activity/task?

• Finding out my available time.
  
• Working out the total average self-studying time.
  
• Making a to-do list every week.
  

7. What was new or surprising to me?

I was very surprised to see that I have about 28 hours per week to study on my own.

8. What have I changed my mind about as a result of this activity/task?

This weekly checklist reduces the missing tasks as well as supervises the regular workload.

9. One thing I learned from this activity/task that I may be able to use in future is...

I'm now able to enjoy my holidays or weekends because I can control my time effectively.

10. Things that I am still unsure about...

There is something that I still unsure about. For example, predicting the risk when during the schedule.

11. Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail.

I love to understand more about techniques to control the time, such as tools or ways to estimate the time-consuming.

12. Ideas for action, based on this activity/task...

The main idea of this task was handling properly with a great deal of assignments, reports or essays.

13. What I most liked about this activity/task was...

I'm very happy because I can use the theory right away to see its effectiveness.

14. What I most disliked about this activity/task was...

I still sometimes run out of time due to the lack of outlined task list.

15. Miscellaneous interesting facts I learned from this activity/task...

• To-do list: task descriptions, due dates.
  
• 168 hours - hours for weekly activities = hours for independent studying per week.
  
  
  

REFLECTION

Capability Portfolio - part 2

1. Concrete experience:

Sometimes, I'm running out of time and late submission.

2. Reflection observation:

The main reason for this is my illogical plan. Moreover, I not predict in advance the wrong things.

3. Abstract conceptualization:

I understand that I should leave an extra time before the deadline in case of something wrong happens.

4. Active experimentation:

Consequently, I don’t have to worry about run out of time or late submission in my studying any more. Happily, I now feel free to enjoy my spare time because I can control my schedule easily.