ABOUT THE WEEK 8

The session number eight was essential as it gave ideas of the analysis that could be used for our research. The analysis mentioned were PESTLE and Porter's 5 forces as well as the SWOT analysis. Getting familiar with these reaserch methods helped completing the assignemnts from other units, too. I personally think, that the reserach based on theese kind of tests can help us (students) look at the businesses from other perspectives as we normally see. Even though we are marketing students, we still tend to look at the brands from the consumer's point of view because we experience this role the most. The analysis deliver an overview of the company from the business point of view. We look at Polotical, Economic, Social, Technological, Ethical (Environmental) and Legal factors to be able to characterize the company and so help to develop its further objectives through the project.

Especially helpful is to use mentioned methods when analysing brand's competitors. They can show how strong the position of the brand at the market is and also how competitors can influence the business. Because the competition is very often the factor that harms many business, to look at these techniques might not be just essential but crucial for any company. 

We have been shown many useful materials to better understand the competition of the brands at the market. I think all the groups will find them helpful when creating a actual campaign for their projects to avoid repeating competitors campaigns in any matter.  

Lucia

#BigAg16

ABOUT THE WEEK 7

As the very first thing of this tutorial, we did a quick recap of the seminar from last week. Several important milestones of our projectwork have been presented to make sure all the groups are up to date. I consider this very essential because it gives a good overview of the important things that need handing-in, creating or submitting. Also, we went through standup meetings as each week's tutorial routine. This meeting are essential for the student as it pushes the group to come up with the new piece of work every week, but also they provide vital information about the pace of the work of each group.

The major topics of the session were the types of a Research and Ethics. As each group has different company to work with and also each particular project requires particular type of research, we have been given the basic knowledge about all of them to be able to provide an analysis based on the most appropriate research applicable to the specific piece of work.  

Especially helpful was the explanation of the library access to specific databases and vital information of the companies. Even though all the students are very familiar with the use of the e-library, this was crucial to explain because all the projects require very specific and in-depth type of research and analysis. 

Within the group w e discussed what kind of research might be appropriate for our project. The Ethics forms were explained and filled in as these are very significant and important documents connected to this type of assignment.




Lucia

#BigAg16

ABOUT THE WEEK 6

This week's tutorial was mostly focused on the individual/group work of students on the company's project.

Firstly, we have been introduced to our new activity that we are required to do every week now. Each group is supposed to do so called stand up meeting which basically means to represent the process of their work on the project to the class. As we need to provide this information on each weeks session, I think it gives kind of motivation that drives us to keep working on it.

We have been given a feedback on our Professional Development Plans. This was very important activity for us as a process of our self-reflection. It helped to look at goals, values and abilities we expect to gain within the project. Also this unit should provide a supporting help in reaching it.

Also, there was a room for students to talk with the tutor about the proceeding of the work for the companies and additional support was given in case of any issues within the group.

Lucia


#BigAg16

ABOUT THE WEEK 5

During this weeks session we've had a look on our project from the planning and managing perspective. This is a very crucial step for us to take as there is no time to spare, every meeting and tutorial needs to be planned carefully in advance. This is essential because the group is then aware of the important dates and milestones but it also provides an overview of all the tasks that need to be completed.

We have learnt how the Planning Process works and what are the levels we should go through if we want to create a successful plan for our project.

Especially helpful I consider creating a Gantt Chart. It is a collection of tasks we need to complete as a group but individually too. It represent kind of calendar of tasks that helps to keep the evidence like dates, names and exact part of the project| groupwork that are done.

Next thing I have also learnt is that is always vital to have the Risk Assessment done so in case of the risk identification it is much easier to  define it but also to consider it, solve it and try to avoid it in the future.

We've covered the topic about the stakeholders too, which gave the overview of their role in the project and advised the best tools of the communication with them.

Lucia

#BigAg16


  

ABOUT THE WEEK 2, 3, 4

Unfortunatelly, I was not able to take part on these sessions as I needed to travel home. However even though I did not physically attend on this weeks's seminars, before I left I managed to form a team I am going to work in with on the project for this unit and for a specific client.

During these seminars my group chose a company they thought that can be interesting to work with, based on the research of all the briefs provided in this unit which describe and clarify the projects. Understanding the brief is the most important feature for identifying which project is the most suitable for the group. The group kept me informed during my time away so I knew what is happening on the sessions and so I could fully contribute and express my opinions about the steps the memebers of our team made. 

I worked up my Belbin test which showed and helped identify my strenghts and weaknesses. I also linked the results to my PDP form in the way of setting myself the outcomes to be achieved based on what I am not really good at but want to improve in. 


Lucia 

#BigAg16

ABOUT THE WEEK 1

I must say, the first session of The Big Agency with Kate as the seminar tutor was very enjoyable.

Even though, there were already some topics to cover, most of the time we spent on discussing the groundrules of this unit and our seminar. We have been given many essential information related to our projects and the companies on their own. Especially, we have been explained how to work on our assignments as an individual but also as a member of a team.

We have introduced ourselves to the class mentioning our future (present) career plans and interests. Kate pretty much enjoyed the role of 'career's consultant' :) and advised each one of us how to get engaged in things we are interested in as a marketing students.
This was very helpful. It pushed me to thing intensively about the marketing environment and my placement within.

Lastly, we've managed to put the group together as well.

Lucia

#BigAg16

WHAT MOTIVATES ME...

Motivation is a strongly influential factor in the life of every single individual. I feel motivated by many different things that change with the age, new interests, opinions and gained experience. To pick the most important one, I think I am mostly motivated by people. It is not about the envy. It is about the things, positions, placements, experiences, opinions and interest a person is able to reach with the hard work. It's about the stories of people from all over the world who gave everything to became want they wanted to be, to get what they dreamed of. I am motivated by their motivation and by their lives.
Although, to make the dreams come true, there is another thing I consider crucial. Passion. There is pretty much nothing you can be good at when there is no interest.
I think, that what gives me the power to work hard and stand out from the queue...

Lucia