PERSONAL REFLECTIVE REPORT

Undertaking my undergraduate studies in the field of business management excited me to enrol in a master degree majoring in the same field. I was curious to understand human resources especially in a global context where employees’ cultures vary. Through enrolling for a master, I expected to study specific modules that focused on human resource. Indeed, some of the ideas I had about the course was studying specific modules that provide detailed information about managing people. I perceived general business modules in the course as being relatively irrelevant and going against the specificity I expected from the course. However, when I started, the course outline gave details of some modules that were relatively general and I was supposed to take them. Though this realization disappointed me, when I started studying them I found they had significant importance in my career as a human resource manager. Actually, the modules lay foundation for an all rounded human resource manager who is able to interact with different department in an organizational setup. The modules further emphasized the need of a human resource manager embracing teamwork in their work. The modules actually helped me add significant knowledge from previous learning in my undergraduate on different aspects that influence successful management in an organization. 

ECM 11(Management Environment) module provided interesting information on how to build a good working environment for the employees. Further, the modules offer information on how a manager needs to embrace strategic planning and prediction in their work. The impact is ability to make decisions that align with the goals of the organization. Through the module, I am wow equipped with knowledge of studying business environment that influence progress and competitiveness of an organization. I understand how to amylase both external and internal environment; including industry structures that influence operation of a company. Through understanding external factors such as social, economic and political issues, it becomes clear how an organization should plan for these dimensions. On the other hand, the module equips a learner with ability to understand threats that affect an industry such as competition. The importance of considering power of suppliers and buyers in an industry is also presented in the module. The factors form the micro and macro environment of an organization and understanding them help develop clear vision and objectives for an organization. Through analysis of the different factors, a manager is able to predict challenges in the industry and opportunities that the organization needs to pursue. Indeed, the module has prepared me to become effective manager for my dream organization, which I have analysed and came up with different ways to formulate strategic plans to guide its success. 

HRM45 (International Management and Leadership) module offers explanation of differences that exist between leaders and managers. The module emphasize on need for manager to ensure that they are effective leaders in their place of work. The module helped me understand that an effective leader require to inspire his employees to share with the vision of the company. In achieving this objective, the module helped in pointing at important skills that a manager who wants to be a good leader requires. Indeed, the module challenges me to ensure that I understand the needs of my employees and help them overcome personal interests that could threaten performance of the organization. The module also provided an opportunity to understand the varying culture in an organization due to employees’ diversity and how to handle such changes. I also understand that emotional intelligence is a critical element in influencing the relationship of a manager and his followers. Further, through culture competence, managers are able to understand beliefs of their employees and know how to handle their expectation without creating unnecessary conflicts. Indeed, cultural competence allows a manager to interact positively with his followers, reducing issues of protests in an organization. The aspects leant from the module have prepared me to be a role model to my employees in future and know how to handle workers from different cultures. 

HRM39 (Managing Organizational Behaviour) module present information about the way people behave in groups in organizational set up. The module further allows me to understand how to influence employees to form groups to solve different challenges that face an organization. The knowledge is relevant in helping build teamwork in organization and help employees to understand how to support each other streets and suppress individual weaknesses. The module also presented different theories of management and their effectiveness in supporting organizational goals. The criticism offered in the theories help me as a manager to choose the best approach to steer progress of my organization. The module further enabled me understand how culture influence change in an organization. The learning helps identify needs for embracing flat organizational structure to enhance interaction of managers and employees; creating a cohesive team.  I feel the module is important tool in equipment human resource manager with knowledge of how to handle and direct efforts of employees. 

MLN50 (International Management Integration) module offers insights on the impact of globalization of management of human resource. The module builds on previous studies during undergraduate and emphasize on need of a manger to have proper skills in managing time and using proper communication skills. Further, it enables me to understand the needs for adopting working problem solving approaches and decision making in a global environment. The module also provides information on important aspects to consider when a business plans to penetrate a new culture in a foreign country. Through the module, I have learnt how to deal and adjust to varying cultures and backgrounds of employees I may engage with as a manager in future. Indeed, the module helped me have a global overview of my career as a human resource manager delaying with people from diverse background and cultures. 

MKM26 (Marketing in an International Context) module presents information on changing dimension of marketing products beyond the borders of a country where an organization operates. Though initially I thought marketing was not relevant for human resource managers, the module has changed this view through understanding the extent of globalization in the world. Organizations that want to retain their competitiveness need to explore markets in different countries.  As a human resource manager, the module is important because it equips me with dimensions of helping my organization tap new marketing opportunities. The module helped me work on a project that studied factors influencing successful penetration of multinationals in new market segments. Actually, the opportunity gave real scenario of how location, interests groups and government policy influence such expansion. The module further offered simulations and this enhanced understanding of globalization of organizations. I found the module exciting and relevant in serving as human resource manager of a multinational that have a workforce that extends to other countries.