22/03/15 - Blog Entry #3

Keeping to the schedule, last Wednesday the 18th of March, me and my groupmate were able to get permission from the workshop owner to observe its operation and contribution to the automotive industry. We were able to get an up front answer since we approached the workshop owner in person instead.

We then negotiated with the owner that our group will come in on Saturdays to observe, starting next week.

By completing this first milestone, it allows me to complete the project in a timely manner especially since this semester has a demanding schedule for me. I feel it will make the whole task less stressful when you can go step by step on a stretched and even schedule plan.

Me and my groupmate have also commenced our research on the relevant legislations for automotive professional practice. We will take this week to gather as much background and information as possible so that when we enter the workshop next week we will have a rough framework to work with as we study our case study's operations.

14/03/15 - Blog Entry #2

After writing and submitting the writing study proposal, I have outlined my tasks for the semester.  I have decided to take a structured approach so that I can follow a schedule which I found to be useful in completing major tasks.

As of the moment, the first milestone that I must complete by the 19th of March is to find a willing automotive business to be my group's observational case study.  Currently, our group has made contact with one business/workshop but have not received word whether we are given permission yet.  On Monday and Wednesday, we will continue to search, secure and finalise the automotive business that we will study and learn from.

06/03/2015 - Blog Entry #1

Today's introductory session officially commenced the course for the semester.  From initial explanations of what is to be expected in the course, a very fluid course is at hand.  By fluid I mean that what is learnt will purely rely on my effort, research and experiences this semester.  This, I feel, would be more challenging than courses that rely more on memorisation as this course would require me to think, observe and analyse critically.

With my previous studies and background in psychology and mental health, I hope to use what I have learnt in observational research to tackle the tasks set by this course.  In addition to this, use of knowledge learnt from my previous project management paper will also come in handy especially with the use of a Gantt Chart to outlay and schedule my plans.  This structured approach, will be needed to help achieve the goals set out in a prompt and timely manner.