Reflection Essay Student Name University Name Course Code ✓ Solved

Reflection essay Student Name University Name Course Code

I gained new experience in making informed business decisions through forecasting. I have learned how to predict or estimate the future of a business based on past and current data. Project management has helped me ensure that what is being delivered is right and will offer actual value against business opportunity. I acquired knowledge of using project management to provide leadership and direction to projects. Leadership enables team members to perform their best at any task assigned to them.

I learned that project management offers leadership and vision, coaching, motivation, and inspiration to team members to encourage high performance at work. In addition, I struggled to understand the service process within an organization. I had previously not grasped how a company operates to ensure that customers receive timely services. Understanding the determining processes that contribute to this procedure posed a challenge for me. I found it difficult to comprehend how customers remained at a distance from the manufacturing process while still being the final beneficiaries of the products.

My best work in this class centered around logistics, distribution, and transportation. I realized that logistics is a vital component of a supply chain that aids in increasing the sales and profits of businesses engaged in shipment, production, warehousing, and delivery of products. Logistics services can significantly enhance a business’s value and public image. It was illuminating to learn that the distribution channel facilitates the smooth conveyance of manufactured goods to customers. Additionally, transportation serves the critical role of linking a company to its suppliers and valued customers.

Conversely, my weakest area in this class was sales and operational planning. Matching a manufacturer’s supply with demand through collaboration between the sales department and operations in crafting a cohesive production plan proved to be my most challenging task. Data collection from inventory, current sales, and available cash was particularly tedious. Sales and operations management requires participation in multiple meetings each month, which can be time-consuming and overwhelming.

Despite the challenges noted, one strategy that was effective in sales and operations management was the rigorous analysis of performance metrics. Developing incentive programs and selecting necessary enablement tools, along with training requirements, yielded positive results. However, balancing the tactical with the strategic facets of the role presented difficulties. It was challenging to manage a broad range of responsibilities assigned to sales operations while simultaneously leading a team with members possessing varied skillsets.

Reflecting on my experience in this course, I would advocate for an increased focus on forecasting, as it equips students with crucial knowledge on demand forecasting and service provision in an organizational context. Forecasting provides vital insights into past business performance and future expectations. Additionally, I recommend enhancements in the instruction of logistics, distribution, and transportation. It would be beneficial for students to receive clear explanations of the interplay among these three elements and their applicability in the day-to-day operation of their future businesses.

In summary, my journey throughout this course has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. I have grown significantly in my ability to make informed business decisions, optimize operational effectiveness, and understand the intricate mechanisms of supply chain management. Going forward, I will leverage these lessons to enhance my capabilities and contribute positively to my professional landscape.

Paper For Above Instructions

Reflection essays are essential in providing insights into personal learning experiences, enabling learners to critically analyze their growth over time. This reflection is centered on the knowledge acquired during my coursework focused on business decision-making and project management. Specifically, I will leverage Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle (1988) as a framework to analyze my experiences more systematically.

Experience

Through this course, I developed a deeper understanding of business forecasting. I learned to utilize data for informed decision-making, which forms the backbone of effective project management. By ensuring accurate forecasts, I could enhance my project delivery, ultimately adding value to the organization’s goals. Leadership skills cultivated during this process were instrumental in guiding my team to execute tasks effectively.

Feelings

Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the complexities of the course, especially in understanding service processes. The realization that customers are the end beneficiaries of products without direct involvement in manufacturing was a paradigm shift. However, the excitement of mastering logistics, distribution, and transportation quickly replaced my self-doubt as I saw their critical roles in business operations.

Evaluation

Evaluating my performance in the course revealed two distinct outcomes: areas of strength and those requiring improvement. My proficiency in logistics underscored its importance in optimizing supply chain efficiency, while sales and operations planning highlighted my struggle with collaborative processes. The challenges in sales operations were exacerbated by the time-intensive nature of the required meetings.

Analysis

Analyzing the course content revealed interconnected themes that are vital for any aspiring business leader. The relationship between logistics, distribution, and transportation is pivotal for operational success. Additionally, comprehending service processes catalyzed my ability to align operational practices with customer satisfaction. The challenges faced in sales and operations planning served as an opportunity for me to enhance my analytical abilities and foster collaborative skills amongst team members.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the lessons learned throughout this course will significantly inform my future endeavors in business management. Enhanced forecasting methods, coupled with an understanding of logistical frameworks, have equipped me with tools to navigate the complexities of business operations effectively. Challenges encountered provided avenues for personal and professional growth.

Action Plan

Moving forward, I intend to pursue further education on forecasting techniques and improve my engagement strategies within sales and operations roles. Emphasizing these areas will enhance my effectiveness as a leader, ensuring that I can meet the evolving demands of dynamic business environments.

References

• Gibbs, G. (1988). Learning by Doing: A guide to teaching and learning methods. Further Education Unit, Oxford Polytechnic.
• Heizer, J., & Render, B. (2014). Operations Management. Pearson.
• Krajewski, L. J., & Ritzman, L. P. (2013). Operations Management. Pearson Education.
• Slack, N., Chambers, S., & Johnston, R. (2010). Operations Management. Pearson Education.
• Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2016). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation. Pearson.
• Mangan, J., Lalwani, C., Gardiner, D., & Hair, N. (2016). Global logistics and supply chain management. Wiley.
• Mentzer, J. T., Moon, M. A., & Stank, T. P. (2004). Understanding the supply chain management phenomenon. Supply Chain Management Review, 8(1), 12-18.
• Stevenson, W. J. (2018). Operations Management. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Pearson UK.
• Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2016). Marketing Management. Pearson Education.