Reflection on Semester 2 Subjects

Finance

• I learned to describe key financial concepts used in financial management and how to apply them.
• I learned to apply the concepts of finance and make informed financial management decisions.
• As it was my first time taking Finance as a subject, I learned to be patient and determined to understand the new concepts that I have not encountered before.

Organizational Behavior

• I understand a comprehensive theoretical framework of organisational behaviour covering the individuals, the groups and the organisation.
• I learned to understand a better working environment for people in organizational settings.
• Importance of human dynamics in working environment.
• Understanding the importance or a person's behaviour which can influence the working relations and productivity.

Business Communication

• Importance of effective communication in the business environment.
• Understanding how communication can differ based on the skills one possesses. 
• I am now aware of the global context in which business communication takes place

Macroeconomics

• I have a critical understanding of macroeconomic concepts and how these concepts help me understand the workings of the national economic and financial systems.
• I learned to be more analytical towards the global economy in a more systematic manner.
• I am now able to interpret macroeconomic datas and to communicate those information across effectively. 

Management Information Systems

• I understand the importance of information systems in business to grow locally and globally in creating successful, competitive and global corporations.  
• I am able to analyse business cases in management, organization and technology perspectives.
• Understand how organisations design, manage and use information systems and technology as important corporate resources.

Semester 2 Presentations

Organizational Behaviour 

This subject has the most presentations compared to other subjects. There was a lot of preparations to do for tutorials as they include answering tutorial questions, presentations and debates. All these were included as part of participation marks which rounds off to 10% of the course. After all those presentations, I think I am more comfortable standing in front of the class. 

Business Communication

There was only one presentation for this subject but it was worth 15% overall. It was regarding the business report we did on a small company we chose which was Nuffnang. One of the most formal presentations ever.

Management Information Systems

Only one presentation for MIS where my group presented a case study about Facebook and its security problems and marketing strategies. 

For the other 2 subjects, there were no presentations.

My Learning Style

Everyone learns best in their own style. For me, I cannot read and remember facts. Instead, I would prefer learning visually and auditory, more to visually. So far the subjects this semester does not incorporate visual learning other than the slides projected during lectures. 


As much as I know myself, I can sometimes remember what is written on the particular slide and also the chronology of the slides to come. This really helps me a lot during exams where I get to think back that particular slide and get the answers. 


I am still finding the best way to revise visually the topics given but it will be another task to overcome. Everyday is a self discovery and I will find out the best way for myself soon.

Management Information Systems -Video Assignment

We were required to create a 3-5 minute video clip explaining specific concepts relevant to the subjects/topics learnt in the course and upload our video to YouTube for public viewing and comments. The topic we chose was: How information system help customers.

Overall it is a fun experience as making a video is not what we are majoring in however, extra knowledge outside business is always acceptable. We shot the video and edited it within the period of 3 weeks. Enjoy!

Macroeconomics -Video Assignment

This video assignment included 6 members. The topic is about subsidy which is a hot economic issue these past few years as the government decided to decrease it to cut expenses. The video explains what happens to the short run supply, long run supply and also demand once the government cuts on subsidies.

My Weaknesses

When there are strengths, it is always accompanied by weaknesses which are sometimes detrimental and I feel that there is always room for improvements. My weakness is that I tend to over commit myself with too many tasks. As a result, each of the tasks at times would not be up to the standard that I expect.

This would also mean that I have poor time management which needs to be managed soon so that I can set up my priorities. Time is a resource that cannot be stored and it is always easy to continuously look back and wish things had been different. To avoid all that, I would then attend a few time management workshops. These weaknesses that I have mentioned can change over time with commitment and more determination.

Organisational Behaviour -BUS1524

This course provides students with an introduction to psychological and behavioural approaches to the study of work and organisations.  The course introduces some of the basic analytical tools and concepts from the fields of organisational behaviour and work psychology that encourage an understanding of the behaviour of individuals and groups in the workplace.



(George, J.M. & Jones, G.R 2008, Understanding and Managing Organizational Behavior, 5th edition, 
Pearson, New Jersey.)

Management Information Systems -BUS 1704

This subject provides students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts, principles and theories of applying information systems and technology in business. It enables students to appreciate the use and development of emerging technologies and critically assess future technological trends in a globalised economy. This subject also incorporates the academic/career e-portfolio to promote selfdevelopment and self-evaluation around subject specific knowledge, ICT skills as well as soft skills which is vital to students’ professional success.



(Laudon, K. C. & Laudon, J.P. (2009) Management Information Systems. Managing The Digital 
Firm (11th Ed.). NJ: Prentice Hall.)

Macroeconomics -BUS 1614

This module looks into the workings of a domestic economy and the policies that governments may implement to manage it and improve the business environment. The module exposes the student to the various macroeconomic tools of analysis and analytical frameworks that are essential to understand and apply. It will complement other Level One business modules that you do and provides a basis for Level Two and Three modules in both business and economics.The subject content deals with such topics as the workings of the national economic and financial systems, evaluating government policies, interactions between the national and global economies, exchange rates, the role of institutions, as well as topics in trade such as multilateralism, regionalism and protectionism.It will also teach students how to source relevant economic data and analyse them.


(Parkin, M (2010). Economics, (9^th ed. Global ed). Pearson)

Introduction to Finance -BUS 1204

This course introduces students to the main issues and financial concepts that encompass financial management that non finance majors would be able to appreciate, and yet, equipping finance major students for higher level finance or business related courses. Students would be expected to keep abreast of financial issues that prevail and impact the domestic and financial markets.In this sense, the course is expected to go beyond theoretical issues to real market issues that impact international organisations, such as currency changes and the risk and rewards it offers. 


(Ross, Stephan A.; Westerfield, Randolph W.; & Jordan, Bradford D. Essentials of Corporate Finance, 6^th Edition, McGraw-Hill / Irwin)

Business Communication -BUS1514

Business Communication equips students with the necessary written and spoken skills for effective business communication. Students are exposed to various business correspondences and taught practical strategies to write convincing and coherent messages. Students are also taught to strategise, and to use appropriate and ethical approaches in writing not only routine messages, but also persuasive and negative messages. Listening and speaking skills are also focused on to ensure effective interpersonal communication. This course also emphasises the need for business communication to be seen in a global context where various considerations such as technological advances and ethical considerations play a vital role in ensuring that all business messages achieve their aims in a positive manner.


(Bovee, C & Thill, J 2010, Business Communication Essentials, 4th edn, Pearson Prentice Hall, New Jersey.)