After doing the presentation, there were some important points that was put to my attention during the feedback session. First was that I needed to provide examples when I speak of a topic in a slide. I definitely agree with this as I do tend to get caught up in theory that I often do not exemplify facets. Exemplifying matters helps improve understanding of a topic and I must do this if I am to gain the interest, attention, and understanding of my audience.
Along these lines, the other point mentioned was that I was told to help increase or catch the attention of the audience, I could walk around a little. This slightly conflicted with presentation skills learnt from previous studies as I was taught not to move as that would distract the attention of the audience from the presentation to myself. So in this respect, I disagreed with the feedback.
However, after some reflection of the feedback, I realised that there is an improvement that can be made that does improve my presentation skills. First, I do agree that I needed to improve on capturing the audience attention especially by not speaking non-stop as that can lead to them drifting from my presentation. To better capture the audience attention and keep them invested, I could increase the use of gestures instead of walking around. Gestures can create expression and connection between presenter and presentation. This is one facet that I can work on and use in my next presentation.
Thursday, 25 June 2015
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
19/06/15 - Blog Entry #13
This week I have just submitted the second assignment after researching into the external factors that affect the workshop. After partaking in the assignment, I now have a deeper understanding of how the workshop not only needs expertise in the field and a basic business acumen. There must also be a consideration on a wide variety of areas such as education factors, advertising, insurance, finance and laws. These all interplay with one another to help the workshop business achieve its maximum potential to be successful.
While it is never a guarantee for success, but good preparation and thorough research can definitely help the workshop business much more than it hastily going into the industry without proper development. The presentation of the learnings of this semester will shown next week in front of peers.
While it is never a guarantee for success, but good preparation and thorough research can definitely help the workshop business much more than it hastily going into the industry without proper development. The presentation of the learnings of this semester will shown next week in front of peers.
12/06/15 - Blog Entry #12
This week's topics of research delves into the external factors of insurance and finance. These factors have a profound effect on how the business operates, charges for services and provides salaries.
The insurance side of the business covers two main areas. The first is to financially cover the business in case of equipment damage, accidents or even theft. This can give the business a peace of mind knowing that should the unsavoury situation occur, it can safely recover financially as it is provided for in case of the emergency.
The other side is that dealing with insurance companies also allow partnerships to be established. By establishing a partnership with the insurance company, the workshop is able to have an extra stream of potential customers. Personal insurance customers who insure their vehicles with the insurance company can be referred to the workshop as a viable and trustworthy vehicle repair site should the vehicle of the customer require repairs.
Lastly, because of the partnership and the benefits that come with it, the workshop's services, charges, and costs can then be regulated on a realistic basis. This ensures laws are abided by, no corners are cut, and ethical practices are upheld.
The last big external factor to consider is the finance side of matters. For the life cycle of the workshop, it has to consistently deal with financial situations and organisations. The initial organisation that it deals with is the bank where it looks to obtain a business loan in order to have startup capital to start the business.
Once the business is established and the loan is being repaid, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is the next organisation that the business has to deal with. Taxes must be paid to keep balance of the economy of the nation and is paid in a number of ways. The first way is the goods and services tax (GST) where services rendered or parts sold must be sold with GST accounted for.
The other way is through employee taxes. The owners of the workshop hold this responsibility and have to calculate and deduct the pay as you earn (PAYE) employee taxes to the government. On a side note, there is also the added factor of retirement schemes such as KiwiSaver that employers and the government must contribute financially to staff.
To make sure that the employer is on top of things, an accountant has been appointed in the case study to ensure that all the financial obligations are met. This is to minimise and negate unnecessary fines and penalties and for the workshop to attain maximum profit and benefit from business operation in accordance with the law.
The insurance side of the business covers two main areas. The first is to financially cover the business in case of equipment damage, accidents or even theft. This can give the business a peace of mind knowing that should the unsavoury situation occur, it can safely recover financially as it is provided for in case of the emergency.
The other side is that dealing with insurance companies also allow partnerships to be established. By establishing a partnership with the insurance company, the workshop is able to have an extra stream of potential customers. Personal insurance customers who insure their vehicles with the insurance company can be referred to the workshop as a viable and trustworthy vehicle repair site should the vehicle of the customer require repairs.
Lastly, because of the partnership and the benefits that come with it, the workshop's services, charges, and costs can then be regulated on a realistic basis. This ensures laws are abided by, no corners are cut, and ethical practices are upheld.
The last big external factor to consider is the finance side of matters. For the life cycle of the workshop, it has to consistently deal with financial situations and organisations. The initial organisation that it deals with is the bank where it looks to obtain a business loan in order to have startup capital to start the business.
Once the business is established and the loan is being repaid, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is the next organisation that the business has to deal with. Taxes must be paid to keep balance of the economy of the nation and is paid in a number of ways. The first way is the goods and services tax (GST) where services rendered or parts sold must be sold with GST accounted for.
The other way is through employee taxes. The owners of the workshop hold this responsibility and have to calculate and deduct the pay as you earn (PAYE) employee taxes to the government. On a side note, there is also the added factor of retirement schemes such as KiwiSaver that employers and the government must contribute financially to staff.
To make sure that the employer is on top of things, an accountant has been appointed in the case study to ensure that all the financial obligations are met. This is to minimise and negate unnecessary fines and penalties and for the workshop to attain maximum profit and benefit from business operation in accordance with the law.
05/06/15 - Blog Entry #11
This week, I have been exploring the notion of how education and advertising can play a crucial role in shaping the workshop business.
In education, there are currently no laws that require technicians to be registered or be part of a council body like that of nurses or other engineering disciplines. What is needed to be able to enter in the industry is a solid science foundation and logical outlook on problem solving tasks.
Despite the lack or registry requirements, workshops and dealerships still prefer prospective technicians to hold a basic qualification such as certificates in engineering or automotive studies. By being able to attain such qualifications, the technician would be able to demonstrate a sound degree of knowledge, competency and commitment to the field. This is where training organisations like Unitec and Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) come in.
The next factor is advertising. This factor is directly responsible for bringing in potential customers to the workshop. There are a variety of mediums to achieve this which include television or radio commercials, or newspaper ads. The workshop chose the internet medium for one of their choice of advertisement strategies. By operating a website and having its information listed at reviewer websites, this medium can allow 24 hour access to information about the workshop. This can then increase exposure to a wider community and not just the one in close proximity to the workshop.
The other strategy employed is the word of mouth advertising. This is one of the cheaper advertising options. This strategy allows your work and quality to do the talking. By providing a high standard of service, the workshop is able to build a loyal customer base. These happy returning customers are then more inclined to tell their friends and family about the workshop which brings in more potential customers as a result.
The next facets to explore are the insurance and finance factors which will be researched and discussed next week.
In education, there are currently no laws that require technicians to be registered or be part of a council body like that of nurses or other engineering disciplines. What is needed to be able to enter in the industry is a solid science foundation and logical outlook on problem solving tasks.
Despite the lack or registry requirements, workshops and dealerships still prefer prospective technicians to hold a basic qualification such as certificates in engineering or automotive studies. By being able to attain such qualifications, the technician would be able to demonstrate a sound degree of knowledge, competency and commitment to the field. This is where training organisations like Unitec and Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) come in.
The next factor is advertising. This factor is directly responsible for bringing in potential customers to the workshop. There are a variety of mediums to achieve this which include television or radio commercials, or newspaper ads. The workshop chose the internet medium for one of their choice of advertisement strategies. By operating a website and having its information listed at reviewer websites, this medium can allow 24 hour access to information about the workshop. This can then increase exposure to a wider community and not just the one in close proximity to the workshop.
The other strategy employed is the word of mouth advertising. This is one of the cheaper advertising options. This strategy allows your work and quality to do the talking. By providing a high standard of service, the workshop is able to build a loyal customer base. These happy returning customers are then more inclined to tell their friends and family about the workshop which brings in more potential customers as a result.
The next facets to explore are the insurance and finance factors which will be researched and discussed next week.
29/05/15 - Blog Entry #10
This week I've been looking into the laws which affect workshop business operation. The laws that were researched and discussed during the previous assignment are also applicable in this current assignment.
This is because they establish and provide a structure that the workshop can practice in. For example, with the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986, they ensure that the workshop operates in the interest of the consumer with fair, honest and high standard of services. This can help protect both the customer and the workshop itself as guarantees and warranties will help ensure that both sides are in mutual understanding and agreement with one another of services rendered before a transaction takes place.
This whole process subsequently helps establish an ethical and professional framework that the workshop can practice in which then in turn provides a quality service. The next week, the aim is to look into other potential factors that also affect the successful operation of the workshop. These include education and advertising.
This is because they establish and provide a structure that the workshop can practice in. For example, with the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986, they ensure that the workshop operates in the interest of the consumer with fair, honest and high standard of services. This can help protect both the customer and the workshop itself as guarantees and warranties will help ensure that both sides are in mutual understanding and agreement with one another of services rendered before a transaction takes place.
This whole process subsequently helps establish an ethical and professional framework that the workshop can practice in which then in turn provides a quality service. The next week, the aim is to look into other potential factors that also affect the successful operation of the workshop. These include education and advertising.
Monday, 1 June 2015
22/05/15 - Blog Entry #9
Not so much learning this week other than reading more into the financial requirements and responsibilities of a business. I will look more into laws of starting a business in the coming week to understand how a business works in the New Zealand context.
15/05/15 - Blog Entry #8
Just a short entry this week as further research is still being made on how the workshop functions in more detail. It has been of worthy note though, that I am slowly getting to know how difficult it is to operate a workshop. This is not because of the technical skills required to carry out diagnostics, servicing and repairs, but it is the financial side and how a business operates as a whole.
The plan in the next few weeks is to gain more insight into how the model workshop functions in being a viable and sustainable business.
The plan in the next few weeks is to gain more insight into how the model workshop functions in being a viable and sustainable business.
25/04/15 - Blog Entry #7
Today was the handing in of the group written assignment and the panel discussion session. It was great to finally get a sense of how the industry currently functions and how it can improve to further consolidate it as an established and sought after profession.
What me and my partner learned theoretically and observation-wise during our group work was just one example of an automotive workshop, and a good one at that which adheres to all that is needed to promote responsible automotive practice.
However, upon hearing other people's experiences, it can be seen that not all workshops practice in such a strict manner. Some other workshops have either cut corners or not adhere to professional protocol. This was found to be both intentional and un-intentional. Some workshops have been found to knowingly cut corners in the way they dispose of their wastes or carrying out their servicing in order to make or save money. Meanwhile some workshop owners, coming from other countries are not aware of the local industry practices and this is further exacerbated with the relatively lax laws.
It is therefore our responsibility to help put into practice the professional principles we have learned so far when we eventually take over the helm of the automotive industry. Further exploration is being made still on how the workshop case study and industry functions in more detail in the coming weeks.
What me and my partner learned theoretically and observation-wise during our group work was just one example of an automotive workshop, and a good one at that which adheres to all that is needed to promote responsible automotive practice.
However, upon hearing other people's experiences, it can be seen that not all workshops practice in such a strict manner. Some other workshops have either cut corners or not adhere to professional protocol. This was found to be both intentional and un-intentional. Some workshops have been found to knowingly cut corners in the way they dispose of their wastes or carrying out their servicing in order to make or save money. Meanwhile some workshop owners, coming from other countries are not aware of the local industry practices and this is further exacerbated with the relatively lax laws.
It is therefore our responsibility to help put into practice the professional principles we have learned so far when we eventually take over the helm of the automotive industry. Further exploration is being made still on how the workshop case study and industry functions in more detail in the coming weeks.
Sunday, 19 April 2015
15/04/15 - Blog Entry #6
Upon completing the research for this project, I have found that to operate a workshop, there is an intricate mix of environmental and consumer laws that an owner must abide by.
On the waste management front, there are many guidelines on how to practice environmentally responsible waste management. However, there is no specific law for automotive workshops that addresses it directly. Therefore there is a need to abide by the local district zoning plan, the Resource Management Act 1991, Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, and Local Government Acts 1974 and 2002. These cover most of a workshop's duties including waste management of parts and used oils.
Similarly, I have also found out first hand that for end of life tyres, there is no specific law that governs on how it is to be disposed of. While the minimum requirement is that they be disposed in landfills, it can generate leachate albeit in small quantities. This can be avoided if the tyres were shredded finely. However, new specialist organisations have been formed which cater specifically to tyre disposal and management. These groups are able to maximise the use of the tyres by giving them to farms or other places that use tyres for other purposes such as safety barriers or small structures.
In addition, there is no law or body that requires automotive technicians to qualify or register in order to practice in the trade. It is only preferred as only workshop experience is really required. The exception to this is when people wishing to be warrant of fitness (WOF) inspectors, they must have minimum 5 years experience in the trade to be able to register and attain a practicing certificate.
This can lead to many workshops operating with un-qualified or inexperienced technicians which can adversely affect the industry standards. Perhaps if a proper qualification and registry system can be implemented in this trade, the field can become more standardised and organised with lesser grey areas. A higher standard of knowledge and workmanship is achieved as well.
On the waste management front, there are many guidelines on how to practice environmentally responsible waste management. However, there is no specific law for automotive workshops that addresses it directly. Therefore there is a need to abide by the local district zoning plan, the Resource Management Act 1991, Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, and Local Government Acts 1974 and 2002. These cover most of a workshop's duties including waste management of parts and used oils.
Similarly, I have also found out first hand that for end of life tyres, there is no specific law that governs on how it is to be disposed of. While the minimum requirement is that they be disposed in landfills, it can generate leachate albeit in small quantities. This can be avoided if the tyres were shredded finely. However, new specialist organisations have been formed which cater specifically to tyre disposal and management. These groups are able to maximise the use of the tyres by giving them to farms or other places that use tyres for other purposes such as safety barriers or small structures.
In addition, there is no law or body that requires automotive technicians to qualify or register in order to practice in the trade. It is only preferred as only workshop experience is really required. The exception to this is when people wishing to be warrant of fitness (WOF) inspectors, they must have minimum 5 years experience in the trade to be able to register and attain a practicing certificate.
This can lead to many workshops operating with un-qualified or inexperienced technicians which can adversely affect the industry standards. Perhaps if a proper qualification and registry system can be implemented in this trade, the field can become more standardised and organised with lesser grey areas. A higher standard of knowledge and workmanship is achieved as well.
Wednesday, 8 April 2015
8/04/15 - Blog Entry #5
On Saturday (4/04/15), me and my partner once again visited the workshop to observe how it operates. We were shown the different areas of the premises which included a small reception area, waiting area, workshop servicing bays, and a storage area for both parts and items that are to be disposed. The workshop operated on an appointment basis and once again the workload was flooding in for the staff. We then set up a time during the following week with the manager to interview him as we could get better thought-out answers if we all had a dedicated time to sit together and discuss.
We set up the date to today (8/04/15) and interviewed him and got more answers to how the workshop operated. It is now getting clearer with how the workshop uses the laws and its own policies to help enhance and promote the way it practices automotive services professionally. Keeping in line withe prescribed timeline, we have commenced the writing process and will piece together the information gathered from the workshop constituents as well as pieces from our research.
We set up the date to today (8/04/15) and interviewed him and got more answers to how the workshop operated. It is now getting clearer with how the workshop uses the laws and its own policies to help enhance and promote the way it practices automotive services professionally. Keeping in line withe prescribed timeline, we have commenced the writing process and will piece together the information gathered from the workshop constituents as well as pieces from our research.
Thursday, 2 April 2015
29/03/15 - Blog Entry #4
This week, me and my group mate commenced the workshop observations. Due to commitments, me and my group mate worked out our scheduling and this week he went to observe the workshop on his own while I will join him the following weekends.
We briefed on the activities of the weekend on Tuesday and upon visiting the workshop, my partner found it to be a very busy environment with all staff full-on with their work on 3 vehicles. This session was then used to just observe how the workshop ran which we now know to be very busy.
Because of this, the following weeks, we shall use the workshop observation sessions to take notes and describe while for more direct and detailed information, we will arrange meetings with staff and the manager/owner of the workshop at more convenient times. This scheduled approach will help allow us to get more detailed information as the constituents of the workshop can concentrate and reflect on their experiences and thoughts better during a dedicated session rather than be distracted by us during their working hours.
The next observation session will be this coming Saturday again with planned and scheduled interviews to be conducted during the weekdays for the workshop's staff.
Saturday, 21 March 2015
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.
Saturday, 14 March 2015
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.
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.
Thursday, 5 March 2015
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.
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.
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