Critical Reflection of Consultancy Project

Reflection, Pages 6 (1329 words)

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Introduction

This reflective piece will exhibit the experiences I have embarked on throughout undertaking a Consultancy Project for my final year project. I secured a brief with PrettyLittleThing, an online clothing retailer, which consisted of compiling a report as well as a professional presentation based upon my findings on how the brand could enter the German market successfully. The recommendations presented throughout my report as well as during the presentation reflect the academic section of my learning, however this report will explore the less tangible components of my performance – looking at how I approached the task at hand and what else I could have done or what would I have done differently (Bassot, 2016).

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The aim of this is to enable me to understand my strengths and weaknesses, learn from this situation and adapt this learning to new situations that I may encounter in future work situations (Daudelin, 1996).

Analytical Framework

Before beginning my Consultancy Project research, I noted that a critical reflection was key part of the essential mark scheme.

At first, I was confused as to why, however upon further research into academic reflection learning, I realised the importance of this and how it would benefit me in the future.

Due to my passion for the subject of my Consultancy Project as well as my emotional and personal connection, I decided that I needed to utilise a model that would allow me to highlight my feelings towards my work activities and learning approaches. Because of this, I intend to structure and demonstrate my experience with the overarching model of The Gibbs Reflective Model (Gibbs, 1988).

Observation, Reflection & Findings

Whilst I identified a number of areas for improvement throughout my consultancy project, a particular issue was very prevalent throughout – questioning my own ability as well as being apprehensive.

Description

Report

I began my project by creating a list of tasks I needed to complete in order to begin answering the brief as well as a potential layout of the report. I began by conducting secondary research into PrettyLittleThing as a company and where they were positioned within the UK. Using my own knowledge, as well as information gathered online, I was able to create an initial brand analysis which detailed their values, strategies and the marketing mix. The next step, was to research the German fashion industry, which proved to be very difficult as there was not a lot of up-to-date research on this specific topic online, nor through university resources. This section of the report was the most challenging, so I had to get creative with how I was going to analyse the information that I was able to access and how I would approach gaining additional materials. Eventually, I reached out to a few of my contacts that may have been familiar with this market/industry, and they were able to provide me with some useful information.

Although I used theories well during my analysis section of the report, I found it quite difficult to utilise theoretical models throughout the research and recommendations as I already have a very practical knowledge of the topics I discussed. This required me to ask for additional guidance when deciding which models were best suited to fit my brief.

Presentation

One of the requirements of the consultancy project, was to create a professional PowerPoint presentation of an overview of the research and recommendations shown in the report. I enjoyed this process as I am a visual learner and prefer to express my work in a more creative way. However, when beginning this presentation, I had not yet completed the report which meant that I was trying to complete both tasks alongside each other. Although this was difficult and took longer to complete, I feel like this ensured cohesion between both my report and my presentation and ensured that I was fully answering the brief from the client.

The feedback upon delivery of the presentation was positive, both from the client and my tutor. I wanted to ensure that I explained all of my research and recommendations fully for the client and cover any questions that they may potentially have. I acknowledged this as the client stated that they had no questions regarding the information I provided. However, although my in-depth analysis and research was praised, this effected the timing of the presentation a lot, which was communicated to me by my tutor.

Feelings

Report

My initial feelings when approaching my report were very positive as I was familiar with the brand and had worked with them previously. However, I did not anticipate how difficult it would be to research the international market when there was very little information available. This often led me to feel frustrated because I knew the information I needed to have, I just couldn’t locate it. However, when I eventually reached out for help, this greatly lessened my stress.

When applying theoretical models to my report, I was often left feeling discouraged because I was finding it quite difficult to understand how I could utilise these throughout my report.

Presentation

During the completion process of the presentation, I was feeling confident with regards to the layout, research, recommendations and my overall understanding. I felt like my presentation reflected both mine and the brand’s aesthetics well, so I was happy with how it was coming together.

In the days leading up to the presentation in front of the client, I became increasingly stressed and anxious. I felt added pressure as this was a company that I wanted to potentially have a career with and the fact that I was presenting in their Head Office, rather than a university building. This added pressure, coupled with an unfamiliar setting, was negatively impacting my anxiety levels. Because of this anxiety, I became flustered throughout my presentation and repeated points. Unfortunately, this lead me to go over the time limited I was allocated.

Evaluation

Report

Upon reflection of my report, there is clear evidence that I am able to fully answer a brief that is given to me by a client as well as backing up any recommendations with valid and extensive research. However, it is clear that when conducting research on an unfamiliar market with limited resources I needed to ensure that any information I did include, was valid and relevant.

This also applies to the difficulties I faced when using theoretical models. I feel that my lack of communication with my personal tutor about this issue hindered my overall report. The Helical Model of Communication (Businesstopia, 2018) states that constant communication is vital between individuals when completing a task, which I failed to do.

Presentation

I very much enjoyed the creation process of the presentation as I feel it was very well presented and aesthetically pleasing. The contents were organised and easy to understand throughout.

Drawing on feedback from my tutor, the length of my presentation was an issue. When practising, I was able to deliver it within the 30 minute timeslot however being under pressure and in an unfamiliar setting led to my speech being less concise as I was very flustered.

Despite my apprehension, the client’s feedback was positive as she stated that I “covered everything” in the brief.

Conclusion

To conclude, this experience has helped me to improve necessary and useful skills that I will be able to utilise in my future employment. Although the outcome of this task has been mainly positive, this critical reflection has allowed me to recognise areas of improvement and understand how I can complete similar tasks in the future to the best of my abilities. In the future, I will ensure that I take advantage of any research tools that are made available to me, as well as ensuring constant communication between my peers. I believe that preparation and communication will overall positively affect my presentation skills as it will encourage confidence in what I am saying. Although the experience could have gone better, I am very happy with the knowledge and skills I have acquired as well as improving my employability to potential employers.