Recent orders
Financial Services Flow of Parramatta Stock Exchange
Parramatta is a standout amongst the most created nations on the planet. The Australia’s economy has posted great execution over the previous decade, with a solid record of GDP development consolidated with high job and low swelling. Fundamental variable which makes the execution hole is work gainfulness. A standout amongst the most noteworthiness groups is monetary group with a few solid supporting bunches, including interchanges administrations, IT, distributed and printing, and, to a degree, transportation and cordiality (Dorizas, 2010). With respect to other progressed economies, the Parramatta precious stone is portrayed by solid connection and private-segment request. While the legislature has made advancement in lessening the intricacy of the Parramatta administrative environment, there is still work to be carried out, in this way we consider that the Australia redesign its administrative organization to uproot obstructions for new business development and capital speculation. Late interests in streets, railroads, and open transportation have produced a few changes, yet at the same time Australia Street clogging remains a huge issue.
The Financial Services Flow
In 1986 the Parramatta Stock Exchange turned into the first major Australian business sector to be deregulated, through an arrangement of measures that came to be known as the “Huge explosion”. As hindrances fell, rivalry expanded and substantial Sydney banks, for example, Citibank, Chase Bank. At the heart of the Parramatta budgetary administrations group are its securities trades and over-the-counter (OTC) markets. The group has various limited time associations, traversing general society and private segments and intended to advance and help the bunch. We express, that chance of expanded capital portability, Parramatta can pick up an edge in Australian showcases through the improvement of a stage for container Australian clearing and settlement framework in order to build productivity and decline transaction costs (Dyster & Meredith, 2012).
Market business Zone Flows
The Parramatta is a created nation, with the world’s sixth biggest economy by ostensible GDP and the seventh biggest by acquiring force equality. It was the world’s initially industrialized nation and the world’s premier force amid the nineteenth and early twentieth hundreds of years, however the monetary expense of two world wars and the decay of its realm in the last a large portion of the twentieth century lessened its heading part in worldwide issues. The Australia in any case remains a significant force with solid financial, social, military and political impact. It is an atomic force and has the fourth most elevated safeguard using on the planet. It is a Member State of the Australian Union, holds a lasting seat on the United Nations Security Council, and is a part of the G8, NATO, OECD, World Trade Organization and the Commonwealth of Nations
Parramatta’s biggest industry remains fund, and its monetary fares make it a substantial donor to the Australia’s parity of installments. Around 325,000 individuals were utilized in budgetary administrations in Parramatta until mid-2007. Parramatta has in excess of 480 abroad banks, more than some other city on the planet. Parramatta is home to banks, specialists, back up plans and lawful and accounting firms. A second, more diminutive money related area is creating at Canary Wharf to the east of the city which incorporates the worldwide base camp of HSBC, Reuters, Barclays and the Magic Circle, which incorporates Clifford Chance, the biggest law office on the planet. Parramatta took care of 31% of worldwide money transactions in 2005 a normal every day turnover of AUD $753 billion with a larger number of US dollars exchanged Parramatta than New York, and a larger number of euros exchanged than in every other city in Europe joined (Economy, 2014).
Economic Profile Flows
Economy in Parramatta was delivering noteworthy numbers regarding development of GDP, land business sector, openings for work and other real markers of monetary development. That was all backed by more foreigners coming to Parramatta offering less expensive work energy. This all permitted further development of GDP and alone is relied upon to support the GDP development by 1%. The soak advancement was then stopped by worldwide retreat that began to fundamentally impact Parramatta in April – June 2008. Development of Gross Domestic Product has been steady in recent years until the effect of worldwide retreat, however information from the early 2010 shows exceedingly conceivable recuperation from the subsidence in Parramatta. Unemployment has been low for quite a while and after subsidence gradually recuperates and at present time is dropping underneath 8%. Parramatta was trademark by low expansion since 1990s and found the middle value of 2.4%. National Bank’s swelling target is 2% at present time (Florida, 2010)
Australia work benefit has been finding up with heading nations like Japan and USA and was by this effectively raising general aggressiveness of the nation, on the off chance that late development of retreat in Parramatta has ceased this advancement as well as pushed it once again to past numbers. However Parramatta appears to rapidly recoup and in the event that it proceeds in past pattern, nation will effectively find up with heading nations. So far primary anxiety to enhance the profit was put on base, expertise improvement and enhancing level of instruction.
Center of Institutions such as schools Flows
Establishments for joint effort make a linkage between organizations sorted out in bunches and the between bunch participation. These foundations, IFCS, help connection in the middle of organizations and representatives and colleges and numerous others.
In Parramatta, there is recounted confirmation that these basic establishments are less various and less compelling than in contending areas. The weaker vicinity of IFCS makes it a focused burden for Parramatta. Parramatta slack in receiving current administration systems. Some new administration procedures are hard to impart in theory. They are best adapted through connection with different administrators or experts in the same group or industry – forms which foundations for coordinated effort encourage and help. Moderate methodology of administration in tolerating present day methods and deficient vicinity of IFCS eases off improvement of organizations in growth.
Strategic business Flows
The city moved into the proficiency driven phase of improvement, which implies it needs to begin to create more effective creation procedures and expand item quality. “As of right now, aggressiveness is progressively determined by advanced education and preparing (column 5), effective products markets (column 6), well-working work markets (pillar7), modern budgetary markets (column 8), a substantial residential and/or remote business (column 10), and the capacity to saddle the profits of existing innovations (column 9). Finally, as nations (for example Parramatta) change into the development driven stage, they find themselves able to maintain higher wages and the related expectation for everyday comforts just if their organizations have the capacity rival new and one of a kind items. At this stage, organizations need to battle through advancement (column 12), delivering new and distinctive products utilizing the most advanced creation forms (column 11) (Mathews, Tang & Tan, 2011).” The Global Competitiveness Index 2009–2010 positioning demonstrates, that in the wake of having dropped three positions in the last version, the Australia loses its position to settle at thirteenth in the not so distant future. Business size, innovative preparation and work market proficiency are in first main 10 in Global Competitiveness Index: Efficiency enhancer
Development Flows
The City of Parramatta is a little zone inside Greater Parramatta, Sydney. It is the notable center of Parramatta around which the advanced city developed and has held city status since antiquated time. The City’s limits have persevered very nearly unaffected since the middle Ages. In 1132, Henry I archived full County status for the City, and by 1141 the entire assortment of the group was considered to build a solitary group. The span of the City was obliged by a guarding border divider, known as Parramatta Wall, which was built by the Romans in the late second century to safeguard their key port city. It is frequently specified to as the City or the Square Mile, as it is a little more than one square mile (1.12 sq mi/2.90 km2) in region. One of the principle parts of Parramatta by 1900 was giving wide supplies of transient fluid resources. Australias was taking care of gathering of bills which were utilized as credit among Travers. In that time the city was a standout amongst the most imperative market on the planet for Baltic Exchange, Metal Exchange. After World War I Australia was worrying by revamping and recompense of war obligation, the US economy had grew up quick, which helped improvement of New York budgetary bunch. The Stock Market Crash of 1929 demonstrated, that unregulated money related business sector can bring about tumbling down the worldwide economy. Parramatta lost its centrality on global budgetary enclosure. Of late, amid World War II Parramatta was annihilated, Australia’s money was devaluated, The City was approaching to breakdown. The increment of the Eurodollar advertise in the 1950s demonstrated an indispensable change for Parramatta as an outside money exchanging, high development was brought about of moderately light regulations in Australia’s managing an account law. This pulled in remote financial specialists, who create theirs banks in Parramatta. One of the reasons were additionally overall qualified laborers (Mathews, Tang & Tan, 2011).
Mapping Flows
As should be obvious Parramatta has got the greatest experience International securities auxiliary market (70%) on the planet furthermore in subordinates including over-the-counter (43%), outside values turnover (43%) and remote trade turnover (31%). The city has huge experience Cross-outskirt bank loaning (20%). Parramatta as the significant contender is better just in two sections: store administration and multifaceted investments resources. The improvement of protection related administrations containing misfortune adjustors, claim handlers and statisticians was created by the Parramatta non-life and reinsurance divisions that arranged on Lloyd’s, the world’s renting commercial center for universally exchanged protection. The way that the City is the chief of the North Sea port and with its presence of the Baltic Exchange, Parramatta has solid marine administrations and has market data about universal transportation expediting (Sassen, 2011). See Figure below:
Parramatta as a standout amongst the most critical world’s money related framework gives extensive variety of administrations pushed by advancement in subsidiaries and Islamic account. Internationalism helps the city to be more appealing for outside speculators. Colossal size of the business sector makes huge liquidity, which is base of business sector productivity. Support in major worldwide budgetary markets (for example OTC, International securities) gives extensive open door for Parramatta’s monetary administration group. The current financial emergency has demonstrated, that well-working budgetary part help monetary action (Sassen, 2011). It brought about globalization and association between monetary markets itself around the globe and true economies. Financial specialists designate their money related assets by budgetary markets legislated by expected rates of return, as opposed to the political reasons. In this manner economies need complex budgetary markets that can make capital accessible for private-part venture, with limitation of decently directed securities trades, funding, and other monetary items. To work appropriately saving money part ought to be dependable, transparent, and budgetary markets need suitable regulation to ensure speculators and different performers in the economy
Topographical Qualities Flows
The accomplishment of the group bases on topographical qualities and on history. The group is generally open to the world and co-work with it, particularly long-term connection with mainland Europe. The populace utilizes dialect number 1. Of worldwide of business and is globally arranged. How it is specified above Parramatta is interested on the planet. This variable pulled remote firms to Parramatta. Worldwide organizations can discover here created markets and talented individuals on the work market.
Indications of Vulnerability Flows
The worldwide money related piece of the pie of the bunch in the AUSTRALIA has been diminishing for late years. Development of the budgetary administrations in different parts of the world, particularly in Asia is higher than the development of Parramatta monetary bunch. Conceivable motivation behind why the Parramatta bunch has been losing piece of the pie is declining impact of co-area for administrations. Since more youthful budgetary bunches in different parts of the world give benefits on lower cost, they can get to be substitutes to Parramatta.
The present time is portrayed by electronic exchanging – high capital versatility. Created telecom and available Internet association structure future open doors and difficulties. New contenders have been showed up in the business and the competition has expanded around the globe. The Parramatta group can by portrayed by lower level of advancement like interest in R&D and licenses. Then again, there is parcel of advancement in the monetary market in Parramatta. The Parramatta group is generally powerless in speculation administration (for instance: private value and speculative stock investments). Shockingly this segment is by all accounts expanding in future. The administration ought to help a making of advancement in the Parramatta group. Approach ought to support a positive advancement environment instead of just the whole of interest in Research and Development. Supporting general instruction and aptitudes and pulling in talented individuals from abroad. Giving security on an abnormal state. Making an alluring environment to live and work for individuals with high abilities. Enhancing foundation, particularly transportation.
Conclusion
Parramatta have all the favorable circumstances required to hold its worldwide superiority in monetary administrations, however it will need to strive to keep up its attractions for an industry whose organizations and ability are globally versatile. The Parramatta group meets new open doors and dangers originating from Parramatta and the world. All parts in the Parramatta bunch are in charge of future advancement of the monetary execution of the group. On the off chance that they find themselves able to face new difficulties, Parramatta’s monetary bunch can keep up its authority.
References
Dorizas, A. (2010). Spotlight on… Parramatta City Council: Smarter, Safer City. Government News, 30(6), 14.
Dyster, B., & Meredith, D. (2012). Australia in the global economy: continuity and change. Cambridge University Press.
Economy, M. A. S. (2014). Mapping Australia’s economy.
Florida, R. (2010). Who’s your city?: How the creative economy is making where to live the most important decision of your life. Random House LLC.
Mathews, J. A., Tang, Y., & Tan, H. (2011). China’s move to a Circular Economy as a development strategy. Asian Business & Management, 10(4), 463-484.
Sassen, S. J. (2011). Cities in a world economy. Sage Publications.
If I were a reader from
Constructed Response
Student’s name
Institutional affiliation
Question One
If I were a reader from the 17th century, I would have interpreted racism as an effective basis of abolition because it is evident that Behn intended to bring to the world’s attention the immoral strand of slavery. Behn wrote about Oroonko at a time when female writers were not recognized and respected. She resulted in using both the first and third-person narrator in her novel to make an adaption to her storyline so that her audience can take it seriously. Worth noting, she tried to make the story seem as if it was a true story by making it seem like it was based on her time and experiences she had encountered in the slave colonies in America. Although the story is a work of fiction, she made it seem realistic which served to further engage the intention of the readers. It also enabled the readers to resonate more with the mistreatment of slaves. Generally, it should be noted that the historical content we take from the texts that are formed should not be viewed as a fact. Just like other authors, Behn intended to create a valuable and eye-catching piece that also spreads the message of the effects of racism to the world.
Question Two
John Steadman’s Narrative of the Revolted Negros
In my opinion, John Steadman’s narrative of the Revolted Negros should be taught in college as a way of giving students an understanding of vile racism is and how slavery was like in the 17th century. Although the author of the book did not denounce slavery, the experiences he narrates can be used to change the mindset about racism and the black lives matter that is there today. If students get a one-on-one understanding of Stedman’s experiences as a Surinam English officer, social change can begin to take root and racial segregation can finally be an issue of the past. Stedman’s narrative uses gruesome descriptions of mutilation and torture of African slaves to arouse compassion from the reader. Additionally, he uses scenes of abuse of slaves and depictions of torture that are rather graphic. The author uses images of pornography and sublime notions which create the perfect ground for empathy for the readers. The narrative describes the brutal and violent treatment of enslaved Africans and individuals of African descent. If the book is taught in college, it can be used as a campaign for racial equality.
Question Three
Daniel Defoe-Roxana Novel
In my viewpoint, Roxana by Daniel Defoe is a novel that is of relevance today because it addresses the challenges that women face in their day-to-day life including the transactional nature of sex and economic immorality and hardships. Predominantly, the narrative follows how economic hardships made Roxana do things that she would otherwise not have done. She was married many times and the reason for getting into these marriages was to escape problems. After her first husband abandons her together with her five children, she ends up getting married to the landlord after he offers her food, money and promises her seven thousand pounds. Although Roxana is hell-bent on retaining her independence, she agrees to be his lover and to live as husband and wife. Notably, the narrative points to how sex is used as a transaction with women being forced to trade her value for sex. Roxanna is engaged in a series of sex affairs with her only purpose being securing financial stability and domestic equality. For her, it is not about love as it is not part of the equation. Women today, also go through similar encounters where they are forced to sell sex to sustain themselves.
Question Four
Early Eighteenth-Century Satire
Comparing a Johnathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal and The Rape of the Lock by Alexander
Satire refers to the use of ridicule, irony, humor, and exaggeration to expose and criticize the stupidity and vices of people in a contemporary political perspective or any other topical issue. In A Modest Proposal, Swift uses various forms of satire to create humor and make fun. For instance, makes fun of children and people of Ireland insinuating that children are a delicious food that should be eaten. This followed a famine in the early 1700s that was experienced in Ireland. Swift proposes a solution that families that are poor should sell their newborns as food to rich families. He explains that it would logical because it would make money and would mean fewer mouths to feed and at the same time rich families would be getting food rich in protein. In The Rape of The Lock, the author satirizes society in general in a way that is relevant in today’s world. The poem is a satire based on feminine frivolity. Pope introduces the readers to the various female errors. He satirizes the idleness of the aristocratic woman Belinda. The poet ridicules the excessive attention of self-decoration and embellishment of women in a satirical passage.
Question Five
All three works; “Roxanna” by Daniel Defoe, “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olauduh Equiano” by Olauduh Equiano, and “Oroonoka” by Aphra Ben, all employ use of literary works such as metaphors, similes, and exaggeration to push their agendas. In Roxanna, the author uses the metaphor ‘what lethargic fumes dozed the soul’. Roxana is questioning her intellectual lapse and this figurative language comes into play violating its literal meaning. In this case, ‘lethargic fumes’ is an 18th-century synonym that means brain fog while ‘soul’ refers to the means of self-realization. The metaphor points to the fact that Roxana could not understand why she could not think clearly. In “Oroonoka” by Aphra Ben, the white female author attempts to tell the story in the most realistic manner. She uses imagery to talk about Oroonoko’s physical appearance. When she meets Oroonoko, she describes his appearance using vivid diction and employs words such as ‘no grace wanting’, ‘polished jett’, and ‘nobly and exactly form’d’ to show the majestic appearance of Oronooko. Further, in the passage, Behn uses similes to describe his teeth. Behn writes “white as snow”. Further, she makes use of hyperbole; ‘nobly and exactly form’d’. The extreme exaggeration was meant to show the reader that Oroonoko was agreeably handsome and that nothing could be more beautiful. The metaphors and similes provide clarity about the Oroonoko’s physical appearance as well as exaggerating his grandeur. Additionally, in “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olauduh Equiano” by Olauduh Equiano, the author uses methaphors; He writes “But is not the slave trade entirely a war with the heart of man? And surely that which is begun by breaking down the barriers of virtue involves in its continuance destruction to every principle, and buries all sentiments in ruin!”. The purpose of this narrative is to give a conclusive indictment of the slave trade thereby compelling the government to abolish it.
Question Six
Paradise Lost by John Milton
Paradise Lost by John Milton is a notable literature work because of the author’s use of themes including disobedience and revolt, love and marriage, free will and predestination, hierarchy and order, and sin and disobedience to reflect his religious viewpoints at the time in which he lived. Paradise lost follows the rebellion of Satan’s angels and the fall of humanity. The entire plot revolves around the acts of revolution against God’s universe. Failure comes in when Satan is jealous because God honors the son more highly. The narrative is a dramatization of the story of how sin originally entered the world. For Milton, sin is anything that goes contrary to God’s law including acts that harm other people. Milton portrays how man fell in heaven which describes the universal order and hierarchy where Earth is below, and Heaven is above pointing to hierarchy and order. It also points to the existence of chaos and hell. Additionally, the narrative brings out the theme of love and marriage as evidenced by the fact that love is an attribute that God demonstrates. Heavenly love takes center stage throughout the poem as the angels worship God without ceasing and they communicate joy with each other. The theme of love is also evident in that act of God the son, offering himself as a sacrifice to show his love for humankind. The poem shifts its focus to the idea of marriage and love from the story of how Adam and Eve were created. Freewill and Predestination are depicted in how Milton insists that God has foreseen how man will fall yet he still did not influence the free will of Adam and Eve. Milton believes in the existence of a God who sees everything and at all times; he is even able to foresee what will happen in the future. God specifically notes that he gives his creations the option of serving him or disobeying him because he wants people to obey him out of their free will and not because they are being forced.
Financial Service Management A Development Plan and Reflective Report
Financial Service Management: A Development Plan and Reflective Report
By Author:
Class:
Presented to:
University:
Date:
Part A: Development Plan
Since high school I have always wanted to work in a career that involves interacting with people rather than technical jobs where one deals with machines. After seeing many people suffer losses during the financial crisis my desire to work in financial institutions became more invigorated and since joining college I have set my mind to pursue a career in banking customer service as an advisor. Most families were ill informed and advised about market conditions and how to avoid suffering huge losses. As a bank customer service advisor, I will be better positioned to promote financial literacy among individuals to enhance their financial management and investment through quality and informed financial advisory. Normally, banking customer service advisors perform various duties including; one, handling customer complaints by responding to them on a timely basis and to the delight of customers. Two, involves advising customers on the suitability of various financial products that suits their conditions. For example, those leaving college will be best suited for a private pension plan as opposed to proposing the same to retirees. Three, a bank customer service advisor provides feedback to the management to help them in improving their services for customer satisfaction. The job also involves providing desk service roles as front-line service providers to enhance customer satisfaction (Knapp 2009).
To adequately perform this function, one needs to have certain skills like good people skills, critical thinking and good problem solving skills. Personal confidence, self management and interpersonal communication skills to present ideas, a good listener and ability to deal with difficult clients also come in handy. Unfortunately for me I have not been a good listener and often jumped into conclusions before getting to the core of the matter. At times I can be temperamental a situation that makes it hard for me to deal with difficult people. However, I must admit that going through this course and attending several public speaking lectures I have improved on my people skills. The positions for this career are available in commercial banks, micro finance institutions, financial advisory firms, investment banks, pension and mutual funds among others.
A career as a banking customer service advisor requires somebody who is flexible, articulate and one who can handle complex and diverse range of customer issues. As a result, one should be knowledgeable enough about the finance field and therefore one has to read widely and remain afloat the current information. Good understanding of individuals’ temperament and risk profiles also helps in providing the necessary financial advisory. Time management is essential as some customer requests, enquiries and complaints require quick response.
Having noted the requirement for this job and realized my weaknesses I have embarked on a number of activities and action plans that have yielded good results in that direction. I must admit that using the skills set and behavior toolkit developed by Chapman (2006) was a major turning point as I was able to objectively evaluate my strengths and weaknesses in line with required skills for a career as a customer advisor. From this assessment, I developed a work plan to address my weaknesses. Generally, my weaknesses included; limited financial knowledge, a poor listener and negotiator, non-team player and difficulties in managing stress and conflicts. For example, I noted earlier in college that I was never interested in group assignments preferring to work alone. I only came to realize the benefits of teamwork when I started seriously engaging in group assignment especially for this course. I also had the know-it all attitude which prevented me from listening to others properly and often jumping into conclusions without understanding what the real problem was. I remember during the financial crisis I was watching the news and saw families recounting their ordeals on losses of their homes and pensions and thought they were just not smart only to later learn that even investment banks and fund managers lost their investments meaning the problem was more than financial literacy. On the other hand, my strengths include; assertiveness, ability to develop mutual trust, flexibility, time management, dedication and passion in what I do. Looking back at my education background I can say am good in time management as I complete my assignments in time and fulfils the plans I set to achieve. I can recall with delight the progress I have made since designing a plan of action on how to improve my weaknesses and the indicators of success. I have managed to keep track of this plan and have seen improvements in my main areas of weakness.
In addition, I have been working on a number of ways to develop the necessary skills for a career in banking customer service advisory. My personal development strategies are contained in an action plan that I developed to run until completion of my college education that targets all areas of weaknesses as well as reinforcing the strengths. The action plan has clearly defined benchmarks and key indicators that help me to monitor and track progress made without digressing from the time frames. For example, to improve my financial literacy I have been reading financial journals and magazines regularly from the library as well as case studies of successful individuals in finance industry. Reading personal success books like Covey’s (2003) 7 habits of highly effective people has helped me to become a good self manager. To prepare myself for roles ahead I have also been reading customer service and front office service operation books. Through this strategy I have been able to understand the work environment and know what to expect and what is required of me to make a successful career in banking advisory. Cooperating in group assignment has helped to improve my people skills, negotiation, listening and team spirit. Teamwork has also helped me to have a broader approach to problems since contributions from different group members to a problem shows that a particular problem can be addressed from perspectives. This improves one’s critical thinking abilities and provides multi-faceted problem diagnosis approaches.
Part B: Reflective Report
Understanding Success
Success is what differentiates those that achieve their goals, overcome challenges and those that have no goals to achieve or lack success skills. Before this course, my approach to success was not clear because I lacked principles and practices of highly successful individuals. I used to set vague goals in my mind which I often failed to achieve and this situation needed remedy. During the course I read books on personal success approaches that have helped me to have better approaches to success. For example, Covey’s (2003) 7 habits of highly effective people totally changed by focus on success. Redman (1995) teachings on achieving personal success were also an eye opener. Case reviews of successful people in finance like Warren Buffet have helped to understand that success involves planning and visualizing end results. SMART goals concept helped developing clear road map to success (O’Neill and Conzemius, 2006). To change the situation I used my personal values of dedication and flexibility. Use of skills set and behavior assessment toolkit has helped to rank and identity essential and desirable skills for success. I have now developed an action plan addressing my weaknesses in listening, financial understanding and team spirit.
Effectiveness in People Skills
Success is seldom an individual’s effort but often involves working with others. I must admit that going through this course have to improve my people and personal skills. Before the course I had poor listening abilities, not a team player, challenges dealing with difficult people and poor negotiation skills. These weaknesses watered down my strengths of being assertive and developing mutual trust. Contrary to my past, I have improved in contributing to teamwork that we had during the course. I have also noted that by learning to listen, I have become a better negotiator as I know what to capitalize on in addition to dealing difficult people. In the past I often failed to understand what the problem was with people. Currently, I can comfortably say that I more accommodative of team members which has helped me to learn a lot. In my lower classes I thought I knew more than my classmates but am surprised by what I have learnt from them through listening and being a team player. Chapman (2006) skills set and behavior assessment toolkit used to assess essential people skills at the start helped me to develop an action plan to improve my weak areas with tangible results. However, I still have to work managing stress and conflicts, taking personal responsibility to solve clients’ problems and dealing with difficult people. Listening more and engaging more in team work will help improve my people skills.
Creative thinking
To offer any meaningful financial services, one needs to be creative to address problems at hand better than competition to the delight of clients. Before the course I had little understanding what creative thinking entails but going through the topics and thematic case studies I now know what is involved and the dimensions. Individual assignments have helped to develop confidence in personal creativity and using creative thinking strategies by engaging my mind effectively. To generate new ideas I have learnt to look at things from all dimensions, wide spectrum, engage human creativity through intuition, listening and benefits of reading widely (Adrian 2007; Schwenker and Spremann 2009; Shavinina 2003). My weaknesses involved inability to understand the creative process and generating creative ideas. Teamwork and individual assignments have helped me to identify barriers to new ideas, ways of improving confidence and taking the time think over problems than rushing to conclude. I remember during one the individual assignments when fear from within, uncertainty and doubt prevented me from presenting creative work only to realize what was being presented was what I was uncertain. To improve my creative thinking, I have started reading widely, working on my confidence to build confidence and improve on my intuition and logic.
Problem solving and task management
Effectiveness in problem solving calls better approaches to the same, task identification and their management. While I used to jump into solution search without analyzing the source and root cause of the problem, I know have better analytical skills to problem, ability to development action plans and tasks needed to solve problems at hand. Working individually, I have learnt that drawing lessons from failures and successes in past problems that are somehow related helps in getting solutions to problems in a better fashion. While working with my team mates, I have learnt different people view problem differently and provide solutions using different approaches. Through I now appreciate the essence of consultation and assigning tasks to people based on their strengths to solve problems. I had weaknesses on following same approaches to similar problem which at times was not working as times and people behind were different (Aken, Berends and Bij, 2007). I have improved my approaches to problems and psychology behind by drawing vital lessons from Gestalt, puzzle-problem and great-minds approaches to problems (Davidson and Sternberg, 2007). Drawing from Russell (2007), I have better task management strength given that I prefer phased approach to problems where I outline all the activities needed to solve a particular problem. Through this, I have developed timelines and always finished projects on time. However, my weakness in fully identifying the root causes to problems has often led to development of the wrong tasks. The action plan I have developed is helping me to learn complex strategies to problems and problems diagnosis.
Self-management
Self-management is the foundation of success and financial service management requires individuals to develop habits in line with their traits and personalities. Through the course I have managed to overcome barriers to personal success by addressing the shortcomings in my traits. I have improved my emotional intelligence especially when dealing with others. During my individual assignments I have realized that one’s strength helps in solving the problems. While working with teams, have managed to overcome change management challenges I was not a team player but I have now learnt to manage the change process. Through the course I have learnt better learning styles especially learning from challenges (Sims and Sims, 1995; Iozzi, 2000; and Mabey and Mayon-White, 1993).
Bibliography
Adair, J. (1995) The Art of Creative Thinking: How to be Innovative and Develop Great Ideas. London: Talbot Adair Press.
Aken, J. Berends, H. and Bij, H. (2007) Problem solving in Organizations: A Methodological Handbook for Business Students. Edinburgh: Cambridge University Press
Chapman, A. (2006) Skill Set and Behaviour Assessment: General. Available from: HYPERLINK “http://www.businessballs.com/skillsetbehaviourset.pdf/” http://www.businessballs.com/skillsetbehaviourset.pdf/. [Accessed: 12/12/2012].
Covey, S. (2003) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Personal Workbook. New York: Franklin Covey Co.
Davidson, J and Sternberg, R. (2003) The psychology of problem solving. Edinburgh: Cambridge University Press.
Iozzi, A. (2000) The Personal Success Handbook: The Indispensable Guide for Success Minded People. New York: The Business Library
Knapp, D. (2009) A Guide to Service Desk Concepts: Service Desk and the IT Infrastructure Library. 3rd Ed. Boston: Cengage Learning.
Mabey, C. and Mayon-White, B. (1993) Managing Change. 2nd Ed. London: Paul Chapman Publishing
O’Niell, J. and Conzemius, A. (2006) The Power of SMART Goals: Using Goals to Improve Student Learning. Bloomington: Tree Solution Press.
Redman, W. (1995) Achieving Personal Success: An Introduction to Inner Balancing. Alberta: Merlin Star Press.
Sims, R. and Sims, S. (1995) The Importance of Learning Styles: Understanding the Implications for Learning, Course Design and Education. Westport: Greenwood Press
Schwenker, B. and Spremann, K. (2009) Management Between Strategy and Finance: The Four Seasons of Business. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.
Shavinina, L. (2003) The International Handbook on Innovation. Oxford: Elsevier Science Ltd