Why is such an interesting topic proving to be so difficult? Fifteen Templates have been issued in a numbered pack, yet you should not approach it in a linear fashion! Some of the guidance notes and questions posed within the templates suggest that the client we are investigating would have approached us, and therefore this task would have been easier. A Problem Would Exist!!!
Our task is to approach a Newsagent and ask them to complete a 60-point questionnaire. Then arrange for one or two interviews to understand how the business operates, concentrating solely on the Newsagent role, and disregarding the fact that they may operate as a convenience store. From this, we need to determine the process involved for papers, magazines, and journals. Somehow, invent a problem and investigate ways to solve the problem. I realise the format has been used to attempt to teach us the ETHICS method, however a case studywithout a real world interaction, could have offered a more realistic issue in terms of presenting a problem to be solved. Although the Newsagent I have approached is very helpful, I am not convinced that he is overly happy with me analysing his business to find fault then offer a solution, when he did not solicit the study.
Furthermore what use is a discussion on family matters in a lecture when the majority of students will be working in a business context? It has no relevance to the topic. I feel that solid business cases would be more appropriate. A real world example that a lecturer has investigated and worked on to resolve would have more benefit and provide greater insight. Theory is a useful tool for learning if supported by actual cases (even if they are anonymous) so that the practicalities and experience could be understood.
I wish I could understand why lecturers who have been emailed with a question choose not to reply to students. This only sets a bad example! I attempt to reply to all emails I receive, unless all the email contains is information. But colleagues I work with always get a response. So in my opinion it is bad practice and unethical to ignore a student’s request for support, even if all they need is a point in the right direction, to the correct location for the material. I have searched the INSAD Victory unit material for some notes that were issued in a seminar, after being told that they are stored on Victory. Still not, found! The lecture’s Hard-drive is also void of any material relating to the subject.
What now? Struggle on as best as I can and hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel not a train coming the other way!!!
Wow. I agree with you on so many levels Tony. I think your suggestion of a case study would have been much more practical in this situation where newsagents are not prepared to give up their precious time, when lets face facts there's nothing in it for them. And so us chasing them to complete a 60 questions survey is frankly a waste of both our time and theirs. But never-the-less I see why the lecturer would like us to go out there and have some real world practice.
ReplyDeleteI just cant help feel it could have been executed in a better way.
Like you've said we have to stick at it and hope we get the most out of this unit.
D