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- University:
Kaplan Business School
- Subject Code:
MBA600
- Subject Name:
Capstone: Strategy
- Assignment Title:
Assessment 3: Reflective Summary
- Word Count:
2000
Summary
This guide highlights the insights and knowledge gained during MBA studies. It explores key academic challenges, professional obstacles, and the strategies used to overcome them. The reflection delves into the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, leadership, and strategic decision-making, which are crucial for career advancement and how MBA coursework has influenced future career aspirations, emphasizing the importance of practical applications in real-world business scenarios.
Our comprehensive guide offers valuable insights and knowledge gained throughout your MBA journey. It explores common academic challenges, professional hurdles, and the strategies employed to overcome them. Furthermore, it emphasizes how MBA coursework shapes future career aspirations by focusing on practical applications in real-world business environments.
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Assessment 1
| Assessment title | Essay |
| Aligned subject learning outcomes |
|
| Weighting and due date |
|
| Individual or Group | Individual or Group |
| Word or time limit | 1500 words |
| Requirements for successful completion of this assessment item | You must achieve a minimum of 50% in order to pass this assessment item. |
| Generative AI use | In your assessment task, it is permissible to use Generative Artificial Intelligence tools. For more information, please see the University’s information on https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning- centre/during-the-study-period/academic-integrity/generative- artificial-intelligence. |
Assessment 1: Description
This essay is designed so that you can explore ethics in relation to how the culture of a corporate environment and help us understand how business decisions made in the context of ethical/moral dilemmas have an impact on a number of different stakeholders. It is an important part of this essay for you to show that you understand how widespread the effect of a decision can be.
Required:
You are required to write a 1500 word essay in response to the questions below:
Investigate a recent case of corporate governance failure of your choice. Utilise appropriate corporate. What is your stance on the significance of corporate governance? Construct your reasoning using relevant corporate governance theories and concepts, and illustrate your points with examples from your selected case study.
Please take into consideration the specific discussion points listed:
- As you formulate the conclusion for your selected case, ensure you examine how the company's challenges may have stemmed from inadequate governance practices. Additionally, identify any evident factors that contributed to the issues in the case you have analysed.
- Be aware that some corporate governance theories and concepts may not be suitable or readily applicable to your selected corporate issue. Should this occur, explain why a particular mechanism is not relevant, rather than simply omitting it from your analysis.
Please note the various types of assessment methods at JCU and the nature of an Essay on https://www.jcu.edu.au/centre-for-education-and-enhancement/assessment-at-jcu/assessment-methods.
Declarations:
In your assessment task, it is permissible to use Generative Artificial Intelligence tools. For more information, please see the University’s information on https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/during-the-study- period/academic-integrity/generative-artificial-intelligence.
If you choose to use any AI tools, it is mandatory to include the following declarations. Please select and incorporate the statements that are applicable to your situation at the end of your Essay:
- [Insert AI tool name] was used to check the spelling and grammar in this assessment. The prompts I used include [insert examples of your prompts].
- [Insert AI tool name] was used in this assessment as a tool to rewrite my language in this assessment. The prompts I used include [insert examples of your prompts].
- [Insert AI tool name] was used in this assessment as a tool to translate key terms from English into my first language and vice versa in the preparation of this assessment. The prompts I used include [insert examples of your prompts].
- [Insert AI tool name] was used in this assessment as a tool to translate key terms from English into my first language and vice versa in the preparation of this assessment. The prompts I used include [insert examples of your prompts].
- [Insert AI tool name] was used in this assessment as a tool to brainstorm topics/concepts for an assessment. The prompts I used include [insert examples of your prompts].
- [Insert AI tool name] was used in this assessment as a tool for background research. The prompts I used include [insert examples of your prompts].
Should your specific actions not be listed above, you have the option to write your own statement.
Introduction
In order to successfully complete your essay for subject code LB5231 you must follow a structured approach which addresses assessment task requirements. Below provided are key tasks and considerations to guide your essay writing process.
Table of Contents
- Guide
The first question we will attempt is “My Reflective Journey”. In this part of the assignment you introduce yourself and your MB journey.
- Introduce Yourself and Your Career Aspiration- These should be a short introduction to who you are, what you do (or what you did before the MBA), and what you'd like to achieve in your career. Be precise. Do not say, "I want to be a successful manager", rather specify that "I want to lead or manage a marketing team in a tech company which will focus on sustainable growth strategies." This conveys that you have a clear direction.
- Provide an Overview of Your MBA Journey: Please briefly summarise your experience in the MBA programme. What were your initial expectations? What were some highlights? Please mention any challenges you may have encountered. You don't need to go into too much detail here; you just need to write a broad picture. For example, "I started with my MBA with the intention of honing my strategic thinking skills. I personally feel that finance courses are particularly challenging for me but ultimately I learned a lot through these courses, which will later help me in future projects”.
I was working as a software developer, before starting this MBA. Personally I enjoyed coding and building things. But I realized I wanted to understand how businesses work beyond just the technical side. My personal career goal is to become a project manager in a tech company. I want to specifically pursue my career in a company that focuses on developing educational software. I want to lead teams that create tools to help students learn and grow. I personally believe that technology can make education more interesting, easy and engaging.
When I started my MBA program, I expected to learn a lot about business concepts like marketing, finance and management. I thought it would be mostly lectures and textbooks, but then I got to know that it is much more interactive and practical than I imagined. One of my initial challenges was that I thought would not fit in this environment, because I came from a technical background and many of my classmates had experience in different fields like finance or marketing.
One of the best parts of my MBA program has been working on group projects. I have learned so much from my teammates. Everyone in the team has different perspectives and skills than me. For example, in one project, we had to create a marketing plan for new product. I was able to contribute my technical knowledge, while others shared their marketing expertise. It was a great learning experience. Also there have been some challenges that I faced. The workload has been tough sometimes, and personally I believe that it has been hard to balance college with my personal life (Gerrard et al., 2017). Also, some of the subjects like accounting were completely new to me, and I had to put extra effort to understand the subject. Also, I have a less interest in mathematics, that’s why I struggled in those courses that required mathematical skills. I was also tensed about public speaking, but I improved through presentations in class. Although I have faced multiple challenges, but despite these challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow. I feel like I am developing the skills and knowledge I need to achieve my career goals and make a positive impact.
The second question is regrading “The Value of Reflective Practice for Managers and Leaders”. This is a key section because it shows that you not only understand what reflective practice is but also why it is important for effective leadership and management.
Step 1: Defining Reflective Practice
First clearly define what reflective practice is. Don't give a dictionary definition: you must write in your own words that shows you really understand the concept (what it is and what it means).
- Think of it as: A process of intentionally thinking about your experiences, actions, or decisions to learn from them and improve your future performance.
- It's about looking back, analyzing what happened and then figure out what you could do differently next time.
- Bring in the academics: This is where your research comes in. Research academic sources such as a journal article, reliable article, book, or any other sources that define reflective practice and explain this aspect of learning. Authors like Donald Schon ("The Reflective Practitioner") are excellent starting points. Use a quote or paraphrase this source in support of your formulation.
- Example: "Reflective practice, as defined by Donald Schon, is not simply thinking about what you do, it is “reflection-in-action”, where practitioners adjust their approaches in real-time based on their understanding of the particular situation. It is a continuing cycle of experience, reflection, and action with a basis on the idea of continuous learning and improvement”.
Step 2: Importance for Individuals
Now, explain why reflective practice is important for individuals, especially managers and leaders.
- Consider: How does it help them grow personally and professionally? How does it improve their decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills?
- Think about: Self-awareness. Reflective practice helps individuals become more aware of their strengths, weaknesses, biases, and assumptions. This self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
- Use examples: "Reflective practice allows managers to identify their blind spots and biases, leading to more objective and fair decisions. For example, a manager who reflects on a past conflict with a team member might realize that their communication style was contributing to the problem and adjust their approach accordingly."
- Back it up with research: Again, use academic sources to support your claims. Look for studies that show the benefits of reflective practice for individual development.
Step 3: Importance in a Business Setting
Finally discuss why reflective practice is valuable for organizations.
- Consider: How does it foster a culture of learning and innovation?
- How does it improve team performance and collaboration?
- How does it help organizations adapt to change?
- Think about: Knowledge sharing. Reflective practice would encourage individuals to share their learnings with others; hence, create a culture of continuous improvement.
- Use examples: "Reflective practice can assist organizations in identifying and addressing systematic problems. For example, if a company is consistently not meeting its sales targets, reflective analysis on its sales processes may reveal inefficiencies or training gaps."
- Relate it to leadership: Reflective leadership is where you create a space wherein your team will be able to reflect on experiences and learn from their mistakes. This builds trust and empowers the individual to take ownership of their work.
- Research, research, research: Find academic sources that focus on reflective practice relating to organizational growth, leadership, and change management.
Throughout my MBA I've learned the value of reflective practice, especially for those in leadership roles. To me reflective practice is about intentionally thinking about my experiences, actions and decisions to learn and improve continuously. It's about looking back, analysing what happened and figuring out what I could do differently in the future. It is not just about recalling events but deeply understanding the 'why' behind them.
For individuals especially managers and leaders reflective practice is vital for personal growth. It increases self awareness by helping to identify strengths, weaknesses, biases and assumptions. For example reflecting on a past team project I realized I often took over the discussions and prevented others from contributing fully. Recognizing this habit I can now consciously encourage participation from all team members in future interactions (Kozlowski and Ilgen, 2020). This self awareness enables leaders to make better decisions and understand how their actions impact others.
Also reflective practice improves problem solving skills. By looking back at past challenges and the approaches used to solve them, leaders can develop a better understanding of what works and what doesn't. This analysis can inform future decision making and improve outcomes.
In a business setting, reflective practice cultivates a culture of learning and innovation. When leaders encourage their teams to reflect on their experiences and share their insights, it promotes continuous improvement (Arshad and Naz, 2024). After a project, facilitating a team reflection session to discuss what went well, what could have been improved, and what lessons were learned can lead to innovative ideas and better ways of working.
In addition, reflective practice helps organizations adapt to change. In today's business environment, leaders who engage in reflective practice are better equipped to analyze market trends, identify new opportunities, and make informed decisions about how to adapt and survive competitively.
Next, the question focuses on “Personal Reflection on Learnings from the MBA Capstone Subject”. This section focuses on your experience in the MBA Capstone subject.
- Detail a Specific Experience, Workshop Activity, etc.: Choose one specific experience from the Capstone subject and describe it in detail.
- What did you do?
- What was your role?
- What were the key takeaways?
- Be specific and provide context. For example, if you participated in a simulation, describe the simulation, your team's strategy, and the outcome.
- Be specific and provide context. For example, if you participated in a simulation, describe the simulation, your team's strategy, and the outcome.
- Reflect on One Challenge or Obstacle: Discuss a challenge you faced during the Capstone subject.
- What was the challenge?
- Why was it difficult?
- How did you address it?
- Describe the steps you took to overcome the challenge. What resources did you use? Who did you turn to for help? What strategies did you employ?
- Reflect on what you learned from overcoming the challenge. How did it make you a stronger or more resilient leader? What would you do differently next time?
One of the most impactful experiences in the MBA Capstone subject was the strategic consulting project we undertook for a local non-profit organization. This organization focused on providing job training and placement services for underprivileged youth. Our team was tasked with analyzing their current operations and developing a strategic plan to improve their effectiveness and expand their reach. This wasn't just a theoretical exercise; the organization was relying on our recommendations to guide their future efforts. My role within the team was primarily focused on conducting market research, analyzing the competitive landscape, and developing a marketing and outreach strategy to attract more young people to their programs.
This project contributed significantly to my learning and professional development in several ways. First, it allowed me to apply the strategic thinking frameworks I had learned throughout the MBA program to a real-world situation. I learned how to analyze a complex organization, identify key challenges and opportunities, and develop a comprehensive strategic plan. For example, we used the SWOT analysis and Porter's Five Forces framework to assess the organization's internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external competitive environment.
Second, this experience greatly enhanced my teamwork and collaboration skills. Our team consisted of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, and we had to work together effectively to complete the project successfully. I learned how to leverage the strengths of each team member, manage conflicts constructively, and communicate our ideas clearly and persuasively.
A challenge we faced during the project was limited access to data. The non-profit organization had limited resources and did not have a robust data collection system in place. As a result, we had to rely on secondary data sources and conduct our own primary research through surveys and interviews. We addressed this challenge by being resourceful and creative in our data collection efforts.
Overcoming this challenge taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience. I learned how to work effectively even when faced with limited information and to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles. In hindsight, I would have dedicated even more time to building relationships with key stakeholders within the organization to gain a deeper understanding of their operations and challenges.
The following question is regrading “Personal Reflection on Skills Developed Throughout the MBA Program”. In this section you highlight the skills you've developed during your MBA journey.
- Provide Specific Examples: Don't just list the skills you've acquired, provide specific examples of how you acquired, enhanced, and applied them. For example, instead of saying "I improved my communication skills", you can say "I improved my communication skills by presenting financial data to non-financial audiences during group projects. I learned to tailor my message to their level of understanding and use visuals to enhance clarity”.
- Lessons Learned: Discuss the three biggest challenges you encountered during your MBA studies. These could be academic challenges, personal challenges, or professional challenges.
- Reflect on what you would do differently if you were doing the course again.
- What strategies would you adopt?
- What resources would you utilize?
- What advice would you give yourself?
I gained many skills throughout the MBA program. I personally believe that one of the biggest skills that I have gained during the course was my strategic thinking (Asobee, 2021). The program gave me various frameworks and tools to analyse complex business problems and come up with solutions. For example I learned how to do an industry analysis, identify competitive advantages and develop a sustainable business strategy.
I also improved my communication skills. The program had many presentations, group projects and case discussions where I had to communicate my ideas to different audiences. I learned how to tailor my communication style to different audiences and use data and visuals to support my arguments. For example in the marketing course I developed and presented a marketing plan for a new product which required me to communicate my ideas to a panel of industry experts.
I also improved my communication skills. The program had many presentations, group projects and case discussions where I had to communicate my ideas to different audiences. I learned how to tailor my communication style to different audiences and use data and visuals to support my arguments. For example in the marketing course I developed and presented a marketing plan for a new product which required me to communicate my ideas to a panel of industry experts.
The three biggest challenges I faced during the MBA program were balancing the program with my work and personal life, mastering the quantitative subjects like finance and economics and navigating group projects. If I were to do the course again I would invest more time in networking with classmates and building relationships, ask for help from professors and tutors more proactively and focus on developing a more disciplined study routine to manage my time better.
The last Question is “How the Skills Acquired Can Assist in Future Career Endeavours”. This is the concluding section where you tie everything together and look towards the future.
Step 1: Reinforce Your Career Aspirations
Begin by briefly restating your career aspirations. This reminds the reader of your goals and sets the stage for explaining how your MBA skills will help you achieve them. Be clear and concise.
“As I progress in my career, I look forward to leading strategic projects in the technology industry, promoting innovation and sustainable business practices" or "My career goal is to shift into a senior management position, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and outcomes”.
Step 2: Explicitly Connect Skills and Aspirations
This is the core of the section. Explain how the skills and knowledge you gained during the MBA program directly align with your stated career aspirations. Be specific, don't just say "I learned a lot". Identify key skills and explain their relevance.
Step 3: Provide Three Concrete Examples
Now state any three specific examples of how you will use the skills in future roles. These should conform to practicality, demonstrating an understanding of the skill by putting into perspective real-life situations.
“As I progress in my career, I look forward to leading strategic projects in the technology industry, promoting innovation and sustainable business practices" or "My career goal is to shift into a senior management position, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and outcomes”.
Particularly, I plan to apply these skills in the following ways :-
First, I will use my strategic thinking skills to identify and assess new market opportunities and develop effective business models (Smriti, Dhir and Dhir, 2020). Then, I would like to use my communication skills to reinforce relationships with key stakeholders such as customers, partners, and investors. Lastly, I will lead high-performing teams and implement innovative cultures by applying my leadership skills and drive sustainable growth. For instance, I intend to work with a marketing team to launch new product lines. As the lead in marketing, I intend to apply skills and knowledge in dealing with the team, including communications and marketing. I will have the ability to apply communications skills to influence internal stakeholders, investors and partners in the need for the line of products.
References
Arshad, M. and Naz, T. (2024). Thinking Reflectively: Insights from Academic Leaders in Higher Education. Journal of Asian Development Studies, [online] 13(4), pp.134-153. doi: https://doi.org/10.62345/jads.2024.13.4.11.
Asobee, M.S. (2021). Exploring the Importance of Strategic Thinking to Strategic Planning in the Strategic Management Process. Journal of Business and Management Sciences, [online] 9(2), pp.68-70. doi: https://doi.org/10.12691/jbms-9-2-2.
Gerrard, D., Newfield, K., Balouchestani Asli, N. and Variawa, C. (2017). Are Students Overworked? Understanding the Workload Expectations and Realities of First-Year Engineering. 2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings. doi: https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--27612.
Kozlowski, S.W.J. and Ilgen, D.R. (2020). Enhancing the Effectiveness of Work Groups and Teams. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, [online] 7(3), pp.77-24. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-1006.2006.00030.x.
Smriti, V., Dhir, S. and Dhir, S. (2020). Strategic Thinking in Professional Environment: A Review of the Literature. International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, [online] 1(1), p.1. doi: https://doi.org/10.1504/ijbir.2020.10028592.
By following our guide, your journey in crafting an impactful reflective essay for your MBA Capstone project. It provides a clear framework to help you explore the academic challenges, professional experiences, and strategies that have shaped your MBA journey. With practical advice on how to articulate your learnings and future career aspirations, this guide helps you integrate key skills like strategic decision-making and leadership into real-world business scenarios.
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FAQs
What is a reflecative essay in the context of an MBA program?
A reflective essay in an MBA program is a personal yet structured analysis of an experience, event, or learning process that helps students evaluate their professional and academic growth. Unlike traditional essays, reflective writing emphasizes self-awareness, critical thinking, and application of theoretical concepts to real-world situations. By connecting personal experiences with business frameworks, leadership theories, and decision-making models, students develop deeper insights into their management style, strengths, and areas for improvement.
How should I structure a reflective essay?
Your Reflective essay should follow a logical flow to ensure clarity and coherence. A common structure includes:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the experience, event, or situation you are reflecting on, and state its relevance to your MBA studies.
- Description: Provide context by detailing the event, project, or decision-making scenario. Include key details such as what happened, who was involved, and any challenges faced.
- Analysis: This is the most critical part—evaluate the situation by connecting it to business theories, management principles, or leadership models. Discuss what worked well, what could have been improved, and the lessons learned.
- Conclusion: Summarize key takeaways from the experience and how it has influenced your growth as an MBA student or future business leader.
- Action Plan: Reflect on how you will apply the insights gained in future scenarios, whether in your career, academic work, or personal development.
What reflective models can I use to guide my writing?
Several well-established reflective models help structure critical thinking in reflective essays. The most commonly used ones in MBA programs include:
- Gibbs' Reflective Cycle (1988): This six-stage model (Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, and Action Plan) provides a step-by-step framework for deep reflection.
- Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle (1984): Focuses on learning from experience through four stages—Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, and Active Experimentation.
Is it appropriate to use the first person in a reflective essay?
Yes, using the first-person perspective ("I," "my," "me") is appropriate and even encouraged in reflective essays. Since you are analyzing personal experiences and insights, writing in the first person allows for authenticity and a deeper connection with your audience.
How can I ensure critical analysis in my reflective essay?
To elevate your reflective essay beyond a simple narration of events, focus on:
- Questioning Assumptions: Reflect on the beliefs, biases, or preconceptions you had before the experience and how they changed.
- Connecting Theory to Practice: Relate your experience to MBA theories, business frameworks, leadership principles, or case studies.
- Evaluating Outcomes: Assess the effectiveness of your decisions and actions, and consider alternative approaches you could have taken.
- Considering Different Perspectives: Examine how others involved in the situation may have perceived it and how their viewpoints influenced the outcome.
What common mistakes should I avoid in reflective writing?
Many students struggle with reflective writing due to these common mistakes:
- Overly Descriptive with Little Analysis: Simply recounting events without analyzing their significance weakens the impact of the essay. Always explain why the experience was meaningful.
- Lack of Structure: Jumping between ideas without a clear framework makes the essay confusing. Following a structured approach (such as Gibbs' or Kolb’s models) keeps the reflection organized.
- Superficial Reflection: Avoid generic statements like "I learned a lot." Instead, be specific about what you learned and how it applies to future business decisions.
- Ignoring Real-World Application: MBA programs emphasize practical learning. Always connect your reflections to real-world business scenarios and leadership challenges.
How can reflective writing benefit my MBA studies and career?
Reflective writing is not just an academic exercise; it has significant real-world applications that benefit your professional development. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced Self-Awareness: Reflection helps you understand your strengths, weaknesses, leadership style, and decision-making patterns.
- Stronger Problem-Solving Skills: By critically analyzing past experiences, you develop better strategies for handling complex business challenges.
- Improved Communication and Persuasion: Articulating your thoughts clearly in writing enhances your ability to communicate ideas effectively in business settings.
- Preparation for Leadership Roles: Many organizations value reflective thinking as it helps leaders learn from experiences, adapt, and grow in dynamic business environments.
